Examining proven technological and regulatory solutions for reducing the accidental capture and killing of non-target marine species in commercial fisheries.
Bycatch causes immense suffering to billions of marine animals annually — animals that are caught, injured, and often discarded dead or dying. Beyond individual animal welfare, bycatch disrupts entire marine ecosystems and drives population declines of vulnerable species. Many effective solutions already exist, including modified fishing gear, time and area closures, observer programs, and species-specific mitigation measures. The main barriers to adoption are cost, regulatory enforcement, and fishing industry resistance. Consumer demand for certified sustainable seafood and robust government enforcement of bycatch regulations are the most powerful levers for change. Fisheries with strong bycatch monitoring show significantly lower incidental capture rates.