Introduction By-catch is a term used for the unintentional catch while fishing for target species. By-catch can either be kept and sold or discarded. Generally, by-catch fishing for commercial purposes is inefficient and can even lead to the harm of various marine organisms. The by-catch shellfisheries of Nantucket (scallop and conch) include an array of non-target shellfish. To address the potential impacts of by-catch cooperation among fishers and between fishers, fisheries managers and fisheries scientists is required. By-catch surveys which included information regarding types of fishing gear and by-catch (species, number) were distributed to fishermen around Nantucket. These comprehensive surveys provided data on local by-catch yields, and information for fisheries managers that will inform management of by-catch and policy development and implementation.

Results

Next Steps

Acknowledgments

Approaches & Methods

Purpose & Objectives

Robert Capossela Capossela.Robert@gmail.com

School for the Environment The LivingLabs: Nantucket

Major: Environmental, Earth & Ocean Sciences

Smooth whelk

Knobby whelk

Quahog

Blue Crab

Mussels

Crepidula

Brittle Stars

Spider Crab

Hermit Crab (Flat Claw)

Hermit Crab (Long Claw)

Sand Shrimp

Blood Ark

Lady Crab

Mud Crab

White snail

Juvenile Scallop

Clyona Sponge

• Raise awareness regarding the impact of by-catch on marine ecosystems • Gain a better understanding of by-catch yields of local Nantucket fisheries • Survey types of fishing gear (dredging, conch pots) along with the species most commonly caught as by-catch

•Implement a standardizes by-catch survey process •Evaluate by-catch impacts on essential habitats of target species •Evaluate alternative policies such as co-management for commercially viable by-catch and target fishery

By-Catch and Nantucket Scallop Fishery

•Dr. Robyn Hannigan •Dr. Anamarija Frankic • Ashley Bulseco-McKim •Blair & Max Perkins •Tara Riley •Jeff Carlson

•Chuck Connors •Matthew Herr • Dr. Elisabeth Boyle •Richard Corrado •Steve Nye •ReMain Nantucket

thelivingocean.net

Head of Harbor • > 12’ depth • 8 x 24 in dredge • 6 tows every 15 minutes • Spider Crabs • Eel Grass • Whelk • Quahogs • Toad Fish

The Moorings • 12’ depth • 8 x 24 in dredge • 6 tows every 15 minutes • Whelk • Blue Crabs • Quahogs

4th Bend • 4 – 6’ depth • 8 x 24 in dredge • 6 tows every 15 minutes • Whelk • Lady Crab • Quahogs

Differences in by-catch attributable to depth differences between sites

Adult Scallop

Juvenile Scallop

By-catch

Theoretical estimates of by-catch per scallop dredge Combined by-

catch of all dredge tows

Slide Number 1