Study

Do pingers reduce interactions between bottlenose dolphins and nets around the Balearic Islands?

  • Published source details Brotons J.M., Munilla Z., Grau A.M. & Rendell L. (2008) Do pingers reduce interactions between bottlenose dolphins and nets around the Balearic Islands?. Endangered Species Research, 5, 301-308.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Use acoustic devices on fishing gear

Action Link
Marine and Freshwater Mammal Conservation
  1. Use acoustic devices on fishing gear

    A replicated, randomized, controlled study in 2005 of multiple pelagic sites in the Mediterranean Sea, off the Balearic Islands, Spain (Brotons et al. 2008) found that one of three types of acoustic device attached to fishing nets reduced common bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus interactions with the nets. The average interaction rate of bottlenose dolphins with nets was 70% lower when active Aquatec AQUAmark 210 devices were attached to nets than when inactive devices or no devices were attached (data reported as statistical model results). The difference in interaction rates was not significant for two other types of acoustic device: Dukane NetMark 1000 and SaveWave Dolphinsaver High-impact. Target fish yields (measured as profit) did not differ significantly between treatments (see original paper for details). A total of 1,193 gill nets were deployed on the ocean bottom at multiple sites (number not reported). One of seven treatments was randomly assigned to each net: one of three types of active acoustic device attached (Aquatec: 260 nets; Dukane: 272 nets; SaveWave: 211 nets), one of three types of inactive (silent) acoustic device attached (Aquatec: 118 nets; Dukane: 74 nets; SaveWave: 114 nets) or no device attached (144 nets). Observers on board each of 59 fishing vessels recorded dolphin interactions (sightings of dolphins around the nets or dolphin-damaged fish) in July–December 2005.

    (Summarised by: Anna Berthinussen)

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