Interactions between small cetaceans and the purse-seine fishery in western Portuguese waters
Wise, L.; Silva, A.; Ferreira, M.; Silva, M.A.; Sequeira, M. (2007). Interactions between small cetaceans and the purse-seine fishery in western Portuguese waters. Sci. Mar. (Barc.) 71(2): 405-412
In: Scientia Marina (Barcelona). Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas. Institut de Ciènces del Mar: Barcelona. ISSN 0214-8358; e-ISSN 1886-8134, more
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Keywords |
Anthropogenic effects Aquatic organisms > Marine organisms > Aquatic mammals > Marine mammals Interspecific interactions Nets > Fishing gear > Fishing nets > Surrounding nets > Purse seines Delphinus delphis Linnaeus, 1758 [WoRMS] ANE, Portugal, Ria de Aveiro [Marine Regions] Marine/Coastal |
Authors | | Top |
- Wise, L.
- Silva, A.
- Ferreira, M.
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Abstract |
Marine mammal interactions with Portuguese purse-seine fisheries operating in four different ports (Figueira da Foz, Sesimbra Setúbal, Sines) were studied (July-October 2003). Observers accompanied commercial fishing vessels and monitored 48 fishing trips. An interview survey of skippers was also carried out (n=36). Three species of marine mammals were observed in 31 sightings during the commercials trips but only the species Delphinus delphis and the category Delphinidae were observed to interact with fishing activities. Small cetaceans were observed to sink, gather or disperse school fishes and damage gear. Mean CPUE and fishing effort values did not change significantly in the presence of dolphins (H=0.06 and H=0, both p>0.05) Results from Figueira da Foz indicate that cetaceans are attracted to fishing grounds with a high abundance of their prey-species. Fishermen reported three by-catch events off Figueira da Foz. Compared with other fisheries, purse-seine fishing does not seem to be among the most damaging to marine mammals. |
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