WHAT IS BYCATCH?
Bycatch refers to the unintentional capture of non-target species during fishing activities, including threatened, endangered, or protected (ETP) marine species. Hundreds of thousands of marine animals are affected annually.
THREATENED, ENDANGERED, OR PROTECTED MARINE SPECIES
4 MAJor GROUPS AFFECTED:
- Seabirds
- Sea Turtles
- Marine Mammals
- Elasmobranchs
BYCATCH STATISTICS
🐢 Sea Turtles
- 70,000 sea turtles die annually due to bycatch in EU waters.
- High mortality rates in longline and trawl fisheries.
🦅 Seabirds
- 200,000 seabirds are caught accidentally each year.
- Main victims: albatrosses, petrels, and gulls.
🦈 Sharks & Rays
- Bycatch accounts for 40% of global fishing catches.
- 38 million tons of marine species are discarded annually.
🐋 Marine Mammals
- 300,000 small whales and dolphins are accidentally killed eachyear due to bycatch.
ECAO AREA
Bycatch of megafauna in the ECAO area is a critical issue requiring urgent attention. Governments, the fishing industry, and international organizations must collaborate to implement effective policies and sustainable fishing practices.
RECOMMENDATIONS
✅ Improve data collection: Implement observer programs and electronic monitoring technologies for accurate bycatch data.
✅ Develop selective fishing gear: Design and use fishing equipment that reduces non-target species capture.
✅ Marine protected areas: Establish zones where fishing is restricted or prohibited to protect critical habitats of vulnerable species.
