Mortality from longline bycatch threatens marine mammal species and populations such as the false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) in the insular Hawaiian Islands, and Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus) and pilot whales (Globicephala spp.) in the Northwest Atlantic. Fishermen also lose valuable target catch due to marine mammal depredation, and as a result, may face fishing restrictions that affect their bottom line.
This workshop will cover topics such as time-area closures, and methods under evaluation in different parts of the world for reducing the bycatch and subsequent mortality of odontocetes in longline gear, including acoustic deterrents, weak hooks, and net sleeves. Many questions remain regarding the efficacy and practicality of these methods to the fishing industry. We therefore want to convene the world's experts in this field to assess the current state-of-the-art in marine mammal - longline bycatch mitigation techniques. During this workshop, participants will develop recommendations regarding best practices, provide a "toolkit" of mitigation options, and identify research priorities for the future.
The workshop will take place from October 22 to 25, 2013 on the campus of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, US. More details to be announced soon.
Senior Scientist and Director
Consortium for Wildlife Bycatch Reduction
New England Aquarium
Foreign Affairs Specialist
National Marine Fisheries Service
Office of International Affairs