Workshop on Sea Turtle and Atlantic Sturgeon Bycatch Reduction in Gillnet Fisheries. Held in Ocean City, Maryland on January 22-23, 2013.

摘要

On January 22 and 23, 2013, the National Marine Fisheries Service’s Northeast Region and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission co-hosted a workshop to discuss technological solutions to reduce sea turtle and Atlantic sturgeon bycatch in southern New England and Mid- Atlantic gillnet fisheries. The goal of the workshop was to identify potential gear technology solutions to reduce bycatch, or impacts from bycatch, in gillnet gear of species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), while maintaining retention of the targeted catch. This was achieved through a collaborative process that involved the fishing industry, species experts/researchers, the conservation community, managers, and other interested parties. A range of research ideas were proposed, including deterrents and changes to fishing gear and practices. In addition, participants discussed research into sea turtle and Atlantic sturgeon behavior and data needs.