10s of countless sharks are caught every year as bycatch– a term that describes the capture of non-target species. There are just a few fisheries that dont capture sharks as bycatch, according to the UN, and some actually capture more sharks than their targeted types. However, a new gadget could use a possible service.
Image credit: Fishtek.
SharkGuard was able to lower the number of blue sharks (Prionace glauca) unintentionally caught by business fishing gear in a French longline tuna fishery by 91%– and as an added perk, it also reduced the stingray bycatch by 71%, according to a brand-new research study.
SharkGuard is a little battery-powered gadget. The gadget is attached to a baited hook on a line, producing a little, pulsing electrical field. When used, it discourages sharks from taking the bait, while not impacting other targeted fish.
” The main ramification is that commercial longline fishing may continue, however it will not constantly necessarily result in the mass bycatch of sharks and rays,” Robert Enever, study author, stated in a statement, “This is essential in balancing the needs of the fishers with the requirements of the environment and contributes to biodiversity commitments.”
Evaluating the gadget
However, SharkGuard also comes with limitations, such as the need for regular battery modifications. The researchers are working to overcome this, so fishers can release it and forget about it while securing species from bycatch. A full set of SharkGuard devices for 2,000 hooks would cost about $20,000 and last from three to five years.
The research study was released in the journal Current Biology.
Catch rates of bluefin tuna werent substantially influenced by the presence of SharkGuard on the hook, the study showed. The gadget offers a more extensive service than catching and launching bycaught types. If scaled approximately the level of whole fisheries, it would lower interaction between sharks and fishing equipment, the researchers argued.
To discover out how well the device worked, Enever and the group of researchers did a set of sea trials in between July and August 2021 in southern France. Two fishing vessels fished 22 longlines on 11 journeys, deploying over 18,000 hooks. The findings reveal SharkGuard considerably reduces the variety of bycatches in blue sharks and stingrays.
” Against the ruthless background of stories of remarkable decreases happening across all species, it is very important to remember that there are people striving to find options,” Enever stated in a statement. “SharkGuard is an example of where, offered the appropriate backing, it would be possible to roll the option out on an enough scale.”
The researchers hope the gadget will be commercially readily available by 2024. As working on the batteries, they wish to make it smaller sized so it can be operationally viable for fishermen. Based on the results obtained in the trial, they have high hopes the SharkGuard can make a huge difference in reducing shark bycatch when deployed.
10s of millions of sharks are captured every year as bycatch– a term that refers to the capture of non-target species. There are just a few fisheries that do not catch sharks as bycatch, according to the UN, and some actually capture more sharks than their targeted species. The findings reveal SharkGuard significantly decreases the number of bycatches in blue sharks and stingrays.
Based on the results acquired in the trial, they have high hopes the SharkGuard can make a huge distinction in reducing shark bycatch when deployed.
