Basics of Bycatch
What is “bycatch”?
Accidentally catching sea animals that fishermen don’t want, like turtles and sharks.
Why does bycatch matter to Canada?
Canada relies on healthy oceans for food and jobs.
How does bycatch impact marine animals?
Kills non-target species and damages habitats.
When did bycatch become a serious issue
With industrial fishing in the late 1900s.
What kind of gear helps reduce bycatch?
Selective gear and TEDs (turtle excluder devices).
What happens to most non-target animals caught?
They get injured or die, harming the ocean ecosystem.
What might happen to fishermen if bycatch continues?
They might quit early due to fewer fish left.
What social impact does bycatch have?
Reduces available food for coastal and Indigenous communities.
When did bycatch start?
When large fishing nets were first used in the 1960s.
What do seasonal closures protect?
Sensitive or endangered species.
Why is bycatch a problem for fishermen?
It wastes time and money and reduces future fish stocks.
Name one region in Canada where bycatch happens.
Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Arctic, Great Lakes.
What economic problem can bycatch cause?
Early fishery closures and job losses.
Why is data on bycatch often incomplete?
Because of self-reporting.
What technology helps reduce bycatch?
Sensors and improved nets.
What percentage of Canadian fishing catch is bycatch
48%
Why are these areas important?
They have sensitive habitats and high biodiversity.
How much bycatch affects community diets?
96,000+ tons.
How has bycatch changed over time?
increased with industrial fishing.
What does Canada’s government do to help?
Requires safe and selective fishing methods.
How much bycatch is caught globally each year
10.3 million tonnes
How does bycatch affect Indigenous communities?
It reduces food, affects culture, and harms traditions.
How are environmental, economic, and human impacts connected?
Less fish = fewer jobs, ocean imbalance, food loss.
Why is bycatch important now?
Many species are endangered and demand for sustainable seafood is rising.
What does the future of reducing bycatch depend on?
Strong rules and better monitoring.