Kennelly, S.J. (ed), 2007. By-catch reduction in the world's fisheries. Reviews: Methods and Technologies in Fish Biology and Fisheries 7. 288pp. Springer, The Netherlands. ISBN 978-1-4020-6077-9.

Summary

This book encompasses the work of several of the world’s leading experts in by-catch reduction. It comes after several decades of outstanding and very successful research that has helped ameliorate one of the most important and controversial fisheries issues in the world – the unwanted wastage associated with fisheries by-catch.

The chapters take the reader through most aspects of the field of by-catch reduction at a variety of scales and viewpoints. They examine the methodologies used to develop by-catch reduction techniques and provide new avenues for assisting and broadening such work. Case studies throughout the book encompass most of the world’s fishing techniques and regions and two chapters examine the developments that have occurred in the US and Europe, where the world’s largest fisheries (and many of the most significant by-catch problems) reside.

Solutions developed for the most problematic fishing methods in terms of by-catch, selectivity and habitat damage (trawling and dredging) are examined in significant detail as well as ways to reduce the by-catch of charismatic species like marine mammals and sea-birds. By-catch reduction in less infamous fishing methods is also examined with chapters on recreational fishing and trapping. The book also focuses on how the lessons learned in reducing by-catch can be applied to ameliorate emerging, broader issues concerning the impacts of fishing on entire ecosystems. Finally, the book examines the most vital phase of by-catch reduction work - its uptake and extension into fishing practices.

This book will prove an invaluable tool for any fisheries professional or lay person interested in by-catch reduction or, indeed, anyone trying to resolve a particular fisheries by-catch problem.