Experimental design tested high-contrast banners on gillnets to reduce seabird bycatch in Newfoundland fisheries, suggesting potential impacts on fish catch.
Key Points
Banners reduced target fish catch, impacting fishing viability for local fishers.
Seabird bycatch remained low, though it could exceed current local estimates and guidelines.
Observational analysis involved commercial fishers testing banners in inshore gillnet fisheries for Atlantic Herring.
Collaboration with fishers is essential for effective long-term monitoring of bycatch rates in marine ecosystems.