David Kaplan and Clara Lerebourg (IRD, REDUCE)
Abstract
We present an overview of bycatch in tropical tuna purse seine fisheries as well as preliminary results on the community structure and spatial distribution of major PS bycatch species. After presenting a general overview of PS bycatch, we identify the species most caught by French purse seiners. We then analyze the bycatch hotspots of these species and investigate the biological and ecological reasons for their distribution. Finally, we will explore the community relationships between these species using NMDS (Non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling) analysis, clustering techniques and a study of interaction networks. These analyses provide a better understanding of the spatial and temporal dynamics of bycatch, providing valuable information for the sustainable management of fisheries.
