Bycatch—the incidental capture of non-target species during fishing—is a major problem. Preventing bycatch with modern solutions protects marine environments.

Bycatch (or by-catch), in the fishing industry, is a fish or other marine species that is caught unintentionally while fishing for specific species or sizes of wildlife. Bycatch is either the wrong species, the wrong sex, or is undersized or juveniles of the target species.

Fisheries bycatch is a threat to marine mammals worldwide. Bycatch occurs when marine mammals are incidentally caught in fishing gear (e.g., hooked, entangled, or trapped) or when they eat bait or catch.

Bycatch is a complex, global issue that threatens the sustainability and resiliency of our fishing communities, economies, and ocean ecosystems. Bycatch of protected species, such as sea turtles and marine mammals, remains a significant threat to recovering dwindling populations.

Jul 24, 2024 · In this article, we take a closer look at bycatch and its causes, as well as the significant impact that bycatch has on marine life and the environment. Additionally, we also explore proposed solutions to this ongoing problem and highlight some of IFAW’s initiatives aimed at preventing bycatch.

Bycatch, term for any fish, mammal, bird, or other animal or group of animals captured unintentionally by the commercial fishing industry. Bycatch is closely related to the term discard, which is the amount of haul that is discarded back into the ocean, alive or dead.

In some fisheries, the percentage of bycatch far outweighs the amount of target catch. For example, for every shrimp caught by nets dragged behind trawls in the Gulf of Mexico, over four times its weight is bycatch. There are many cases illustrating the devastating impact of bycatch.

Aug 11, 2022 · “Bycatch” is the term used by the fishing industry to describe any “non-target animals” they inadvertently catch while fishing—whether fish, mammals, sea turtles, or seabirds. Generally, animals caught as bycatch are tossed back overboard, dead or dying.

Bycatch is fish or other species caught unintentionally by fishers. Bycatch can be hard to avoid where species swim together. Good management can reduce it.

Dec 1, 2023 · Bycatch are all of the nontarget species of marine life that are scooped up in fishing nets or on hooks in addition to the target fish. Bycatch can include a range of different animals, from fish to seabirds and even whales. Bycatch causes serious physical harm — and often death — in marine life.