SAFESEA Seminar

"Cetacean bycatch. Present scenario and mitigation measures"

The bycatch of cetaceans is a global problem affecting the conservation of threatened species and producing economical impacts on fisheries. However, information on the magnitude and potential consequences of this problem are still deficient in many countries and in many fishing areas.

The SafeSea Project addresses this issue for the first time in Portugal by testing different mitigation measures that may contribute to reduce this problem.

The present seminar aims at informing the fishermen community of the efforts already developed within the project and their first results. The seminar also aims at presenting to all interested parties (stake-holders, decision makers, researchers, industry, etc.) a global perspective of the research involving bycatch and possible solutions that contribute to reducing this problem.

The Seminar will address the following issues:

The SafeSea Project: objectives and first results;
Fishery research, cetacean research and legal aspects concerning by-catch: the Portuguese scenario;
Evaluation of by-catch in other regions;
Marine mammal monitoring protocols;
Incorporation of predation data in management models;
Evaluating the interaction of fisheries with the Ecosystem and relevancy to the certification of sustainable fisheries;
Pingers or acoustic nets as mitigation measures.

National and international organizations, researchers, fishermen, fisheries industry representatives, decision makers, wildlife biologists and veterinaries can attend the seminar. Apart from the technical and scientific presentations, there will also be a practical session, in which fishermen will be shown how they can contribute to reduce small cetacean bycatch. This practical session will take place in the Harbour of Viana do Castelo to observe in situ how mitigation measures can be used by fishermen under the supervision of the SafeSea Project elements and to discuss other possible solutions.

Seminar | Information for Participants | Accomodations in Viana do Castelo | Program | SafeSea Seminar Registration

Last Modified: 22/12/2009