Floated fish pot eliminates bycatch of red king crab and maintains target catch of cod

摘要: Abstract Today bycatch of red king crab ( Paralithodes camtschaticus ) in stationary fishing gears targeting cod Gadus morhua is a severe problem the Barents Sea, causing extra work for fishermen and damaging their gear catches. Attempts to use bottom-set pots as an alternative gillnets longlines have been unsuccessful, too are affected by large bycatches crab. In this field study, were floated off bottom order avoid bycatch. A standard two-chamber groundfish pot was modified mounting suspension arrangement that allowed orient itself with current about 70 cm above seabed. Fishing trials conducted Varangerfjord (northern Norway) compare reference pots. Floating eliminated catches, while caught average 21 crabs each. Moreover, significantly more than (3.6 2.5 per pot, respectively), majority 45% increase being below minimum legal size. The catch explained fact entrance always maintained down-current orientation, whereas shifting directions may lead odour plume away from entrance, thereby reducing rate entry cod. Full-scale needed evaluate whether could become commercially viable method catching