Estimated bycatch of harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in two coastal gillnet fisheries in Norway, 2006-2008. Mitigation and implications for conservation

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Independent onboard observers are recommended as the best way to obtain reliable bycatch data for marine mammals in fisheries. EU has introduced a regulation for monitoring and mitigating bycatches of small cetaceans in European Union fisheries (EU Regulation 812/2004). This regulation mandates that Acoustic Deterrent Devices (ADDs or pingers) be used in gillnet fisheries in some areas and periods for vessels larger than 12m overall length, and recommends observer programs on vessels larger than 15m overall length. For small-sized fishing vessels less than 15m overall length, which sometimes are unable to accommodate an additional person on board as an observer, the EU regulation indicates that data on incidental catches of cetaceans should be collected through scientific studies or pilot projects.