Reduction of seal-induced catch and gear damage by modification of trap-net design: Design principles for a seal-safe trap net

Location
Bothnian Sea, Finland
Article
Reduction of seal-induced catch and gear damage by modification of trap-net design: Design principles for a seal-safe trap net
Target catch
Salmon (Salmo salar) and whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus)
Study Type
Field study in the wild
Effect on target catch
Target catch remained same or increased in 4 of 5 modified traps
Effect on bycatch species
Reduced interactions with gear
Bycatch species
Pinnipeds
Halichoerus grypus atlantica (Gray seal)
Phoca hispida botnica (Ringed seal)
Fishing Gear
Traps
Reduction technique
Trap-net modification