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DESPESCA – Monitoring in the test bench of the Species Discarded by Gillnet and Trap Fishing in Gran Canaria

Pleamar program

Description:

In the Canary Islands, fishing gear with pots and gillnets is traditional, which allows specimens to reach the surface alive, and can be returned to the sea in the case of catches of no commercial interest. However, there are no studies on the survival rates of these discards.

This project has carried out sampling (50 for each type of gear) to record the descriptive parameters necessary for subsequent analysis (type of substrate, depth of fishing, type of draft, duration, target species…). The information obtained has been dumped into a database and evaluated by statistical tests to verify trends.

A second activity analysed the survival and animal welfare of the captures, for which pots/nurseries were installed to allow the captured individuals to be returned alive and to be able to collect survival data 24 hours later. In the case of very low survival rates, alternatives in the fishing method have been proposed to improve this impact.

The results have been transferred to the competent administrations in order to introduce, if necessary, changes in the regulation or give some instruction on their use.

See the project.

Line of action:

Marine ecosystems

Status:

Finalizado

Execution date:

2018

General Objective:

Impact of gillnet and trap fishing gear on the survival rate of discarded species.

Specific objectives:

  1. Characterization of fisheries with fish and dogfish pots in the area.
  2. Analysis of the survival rate of discarded specimens with gear types.
  3. Preparation of a manual with recommendations of Good Practices for the use of these gears.
  4. Dissemination of the sustainability of artisanal fishing gear (pot and cane) and improvement of decision-making in the use of each gear.

The DESPESCA project has made 100 shipments with their respective samplings. Likewise, a statistical analysis of this database has been carried out and a characterization of the fisheries has been obtained, as well as the survival rates of both fishing gears, trap and cane.

The analysis of the data collected shows that both fishing gears, trap and cane, are sustainable from an environmental point of view, being able to improve the survival of discards with minimum guidelines in the handling of the gear.

  • The nasa has been very selective for a certain mesh and trap size, with a high survival rate in discards.
  • The cazonal has shown itself to be a very selective gear with very few discards, practically nil, although its survival is very low.

In addition, a manual of good practices and an explanatory poster have been developed on the use of both fishing gears to promote the survival of discards, especially in the case of the trap, since in the dogfish the survival of discards is very low. On the other hand, a report of statistical results and a report of conclusions on the impact of fishing gear on species have been made.

Cabildo de Gran Canaria, San Cristóbal Fishermen's Cooperative, Melenara Fishermen's Cooperative and the General Directorate of Fisheries of the Government of the Canary Islands.
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DESPESCA – Monitoring in the test bench of the Species Discarded by Gillnet and Trap Fishing in Gran Canaria

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