GRANT
NUMBER:
NA76FD0033
NMFS NUMBER: 96-AKR-019
REPORT
TITLE:
Study of Bycatch Avoidance by Fishermen in Hook and Line
Greenland Turbot Fishery
AUTHOR:
Janet Smoker
PUBLISH
DATE:
December
14, 1998
AVAILABLE
FROM:
National Marine Fisheries Service, Alaska Region, P.O.
Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802-1668. TELEPHONE:
(907) 586-7280
ABSTRACT
The hook-and-line
fishery for Greenland turbot in the Bering Sea and Aleutian
Islands from 1995-97 is examined to document the effect
of halibut and to determine what meaning sures are effective
for controlling that bycatch. We provided the fleet with
recent detailed information about areas of high halibut
bycatch and implemented an individual vessel monitoring
program during the 1997 season. The result was substantially
improved halibut bycatch rates, allowing more turbot to
be caught. We conclude that with sufficient incentives
and timely information, fishermen will voluntarily take
appropriate actions to control bycatch and additional
regulatory measures may unnecessary.
