Foraging activity of harbour porpoises around a bottom-gillnet in a coastal fishing ground, under the risk of bycatch.

ABSTRACT: Bycatch of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) by gillnets is a recognised threat to populations. To develop effective mitigation measures, understanding the mechanics of bycatch is essential. Previous studies in experimental conditions suggested foraging activity is an important factor influencing porpoises' reaction to gillnets. We acoustically observed the behaviour of wild harbour porpoises around a bottom-gillnet set-up in a commercial fishing ground, especially foraging activity. Passive acoustic event recorders (A-tags) were fixed to the ends of the gillnet, and recorded for 1 392 hours. Although harbour porpoises frequently and repeatedly appeared around the net each day, incidental bycatch occurred only three times during the observations. The stomach contents of two individuals

SUBMITTER: Maeda S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7877735 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature