Depredation by harbor seal and spiny dogfish in a Georges Bank gillnet fishery

摘要: Depredation can have economic, social and ecological impacts by decreasing fishery landings threatening marine predator populations through increased risk of entanglement. This investigation quantified the loss attributed to harbour seal, Phoca vitulina L., spiny dogfish, Squalus acanthias depredation in Georges Bank, Massachusetts, USA gillnet fishery. Approximately 1361 kg (2.38%) fish was discarded from a total possible catch weight nearly 57 300 kg because it unsalable following depredation. Spiny dogfish accounted for 1134 kg (1.98%), seal 227 kg (0.40%) discards. represented an estimated US$2250 profits value almost US$61 800, signifying 3.64% market-value during assessment period. These results suggest that discarding due relatively small market fishers, although additional information research is needed before this be confirmed. study first on subject provides baseline rates could useful if continue increase.