Bycatch mitigation tools: selecting fisheries, setting limits, and modifying gear

Elements that are widely used in successful marine wildlife bycatch mitigation programs are outlined. Guidelines for the selection and prioritization of bycaught stocks are presented, and two bycatch mitigation tools derived from traditional fisheries management measures are described. One is similar to the use of traditional fishery output control and concerns individual transferable quotas and total allowable catch limits. When applied to marine wildlife bycatch, these are represented in the modified form of fishery wide bycatch caps and individual vessel bycatch limits. The second tool is an input control related to mandatory gear restrictions or adaptations. Both measures are intended to increase gear selectivity and minimize incidental take.