Guidelines for Evaluating Artificial Light to Mitigate Unwanted Fisheries Bycatch

Abstract

Evaluating artificial light as a bycatch reduction device (bycatch reduction light, “BRL”) requires a multidisciplinary approach that applies knowledge of fisheries science, fishing technology, engineering, physics, optics, vision biology, oceanography, animal behavior, economics, and social science. To support the continued evaluation of BRL, these guidelines were developed for conducting standardized and systematic studies. The guidelines highlight how information from those fields of study contributes to the efficacy of study design and the evaluation of results. The guidance is focused on four core areas: (i) defining the objective of using a BRL; (ii) understanding the context in which the BRL is applied and considering the base knowledge that is needed; (iii) selecting an appropriate study design (including selection and placement of the BRL) and analytical methods for measuring both behavioral responses and catch outcomes from using the BRL; and (iv) interpreting the data through the lens of the base knowledge, context, and study design, and evaluating the results against an established definition of success and variables that affect adoption. The purpose of these guidelines is to increase the ability of researchers and managers to determine if BRL is appropriate for a fishery and to encourage consistency in data collection among studies to support future meta-analyses and inter-study comparison. In addition, suggestions are provided on where more research and technology development are needed to support this rapidly emerging field of research.

Keywords:

• Fish behavior
• fisheries selectivity
• fish vision
• phototaxis
• bycatch reduction
• conservation engineering

Acknowledgments

The idea for this paper came from discussions during meetings of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Working Group on Fishing Technology and Fish Behaviour (WGFTFB) Topic Group: “Evaluating the application of artificial light for bycatch mitigation.” This Topic Group convened from 2018 to 2021 and was led by Drs. Noëlle Yochum and Junita D. Karlsen. This followed the WGFTFB Topic Group: “Use of Artificial Light in Fishing,” which convened from 2012 to 2014 and was led by Drs. Heui-Chun An, Mike Breen, Odd-Børre Humborstad, Anne Christine Utne Palm, and Yoshkiki Matsushita. We thank Ron Douglas, Sean Rohan, Sandy Parker-Stetter, Michael Martin, Sandra Shumway, and two anonymous reviewers for their thoughtful review of this manuscript; Sönke Johnsen, Isabella Kratzer, Bo Lundgren, and Daniel Stepputtis for input on earlier drafts or sections of the manuscript; and Nicole Kaiser for her assistance in organising the literature citations.

Disclosure statement

We note that authors Jasmine Somerville and Dan Watson are affiliated with SafetyNet Technologies, a company that manufactures BRL. Those interests have been fully disclosed to Taylor & Francis.