Approximately 300,000 marine mammals are taken from the world's oceans each year due to global fisheries. However, few data exists that quantify animals caught in nets. We are codeveloping a toolkit to map and measure risk of fisheries bycatch.
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In many countries, fisheries bycatch of cetacean species is poorly monitored or regulated, so impacts of bycatch on local marine mammal populations are not well understood. Due to a lack of resources and scientific capacity, these data limitations are often greatest in developing countries where marine fisheries can be fundamental to local and even national economies. (Photo credit: Kanjana Adulyanukosol)
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Research results can be difficult to interpret. We will create a communication plan to effectively deliver the risk assessment results to a diverse range of stakeholders. We will create clear documentation and video tutorials in how to understand and apply the bycatch risk toolkit. Visual displays will be presented in formats accessible to decision-makers.
(Photo credit: Justine Jackson-Ricketts)
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The limited availability of quantitative data on the abundance and distribution of marine mammals, bycatch occurrences, fishing effort, and fishing gear use, constrain any estimations of bycatch rate and consequently management action. (Photo credit: Ellen Hines)
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We have chosen four study sites based on established collaborations with local scientists and varying amounts of data with which to test our toolkit. In all countries, we have the support of local management agencies and researchers. Thailand and Vietnam are also the largest SE Asian importers of commercial fish to the United States.
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