The Strategies, technologies and social solutions to manage bycatch in tropical Large Marine Ecosystem Fisheries project, more succinctly known as the REBYC-III CLME+ project seeks to manage bycatch (sea turtles and other non-target species) and reduce discards in the Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystems (CLME+), thereby promoting sustainable and responsible fisheries that provide economic opportunities while ensuring the conservation of marine living resources.
One of the methods being introduced to reduce bycatch is the use of circle hooks which, unlike traditionally used J-hooks, are meant to improve the survival of fish caught by hooking by the corner of the mouth, reducing deep hooking. There is also less bleeding, overall increasing the survival rates of species incidentally caught.
After the experimental exercise using a mixture of J and circle hooks during the month of October, a gear technology workshop followed, led by Dr. Antonello Sala of the National Research Council (CNR), which trained Fisheries staff on the analyses required to discern the results of the exercise.
