Trial of acoustic deterrents (porpoise pingers) for prevention of porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) bycatch

Authors
Sea Fish Industry Authority
Year
Volume (Issue #)
Seafish Report CR201
Page #s
33
Summary

Four commercially available pingers (AIRMAR, Aquamark 100, Fumunda, Save Wave Saver) were tested on vessels operating in Cornwall targeting hake (Merluccius merluccius) with gillnets. Pingers were tested for their effectiveness at reducing incidental interactions between the gillnets and porpoises (Phocoena phocoena). Only one of the four tested pingers, AIRMAR, performed 'satisfactorily' (i.e. suited for offshore gillnet fishery). 

Field Studies

Trial of acoustic deterrents (porpoise pingers) for prevention of porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) bycatch

Study Type
Summary study
Location
Cornwall, United Kingdom
Target catch
Hake (Merluccius merluccius)
Effect on bycatch species
Only the AIRMAR pinger worked satisfactorily (i.e. suited for offshore gillnet fishery)
Effect on target catch
N/A
Reduction technique