Protecting marine mammals, turtles, and birds by rebuilding global fisheries

• DOI: 10.1126/science.aao4248
• Publication Date: 2018-03-15T19:50:46Z
• Authors: Matthew G. Burgess; Grant R. McDermott; Brandon Owashi; Lindsey E. Peavey...; Tyler Clavelle; Daniel Ovando; Bryan P. Wallace; Rebecca L. Lewison; Steven D. Gaines; Christopher Costello
• Keywords: Mammals; 0106 biological sciences; Aquatic Organisms; Life on Land; General Science & Technology; Endangered Species; Population; Fisheries; 15. Life on land; 01 natural sciences; Turtles; 12. Responsible consumption; Birds; Animals; 14. Life underwater; Life Below Water

Healthy fisheries can reduce bycatch

Bycatch of marine mammals, turtles, and birds during commercial fishing is a considerable threat. Activities intended to reduce bycatch are often thought to conflict with commercial fishing. However, Burgess et al. show that in the majority of cases, managing fishery stocks to best promote long-term sustainability would also reduce bycatch. Rebuilding fish stocks will naturally promote lower bycatch, and these factors together will facilitate sustainable profit generation from fish harvest.

Science , this issue p. 1255