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Fishing Gear and Risks to Protected Species

Shrimp Trawler
Credit: NOAA

Fishermen use many different types of fishing gear and catch a wide variety of species. Usually, fishermen use certain types of fishing gear to target specific species. However, these different fishing methods can accidentally capture or injure other non-target species, called "bycatch."

How can we reduce bycatch?

We work with the fishing industry and our other partners to develop regulations and fishing gear modifications to reduce bycatch of sea turtles, marine mammals, sea birds, and non-target fish.

This collaborative work is conducted through gear research in our Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program and stakeholder-based processes such as our Marine Mammal Take Reduction Program, which helps reduce incidental serious injury or mortality of marine mammals from commercial fishing

Our ability to reduce bycatch depends on data collected by our National Observer Program. Fisheries observers track where, when, and how many protected species become hooked or entangled in fishing gear. Once bycatch reduction measures are implemented, observers also help to monitor their success.

What different gear types do fishermen use?

Gear types are listed below by broad category. They are not intended to be specific to regional fishing practices. Click each gear type for more information on how it works, where it is used, and the associated risks to protected species.

• Bottom Longlines
• Bottom Trawls
• Dredges
• Fish Aggregating Devices
• Gillnets
• Midwater Trawls
• Pelagic Longlines
• Pound Nets
• Purse Seines
• Skimmer Trawls
• Traps/Pots

Additional Resources

• Marine Mammal Take Reduction Planning
• Sea Turtle Regulations
• National Bycatch Strategy
• Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program
• NOAA FishWatch

Updated: February 17, 2016