We have completed the first and second phase of our project: assembling and summarizing all of the Canadian fishing impact data we could find, and holding a workshop where we asked experts to rate the impacts of the various fishing gears, given the data we have compiled, and their own knowledge of Canadian fisheries and ecosystems.

This packet includes existing information about fishing gears and associated bycatch and habitat impacts compiled from scientific papers, government reports, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) database, observer data, and personal communication. The packet starts with a list of definitions of key terms and a table listing each gear under discussion, followed by details on the bycatch for the gears in the form of charts and graphs.  We present the amount of fish, mammals, seabirds, sea turtles, and corals and sponges caught as bycatch.  A summary of papers dealing with the habitat impacts of fishing gears, including ghostfishing, is next.  Following our references, an appendix is included with the specifications on each gear type under discussion, known mortality rates, and life history characteristics

If you would like to see a copy of our workshop packet, a copy can be dowloaded here:
Workshop Packet - How We Fish: Ecological Impact Analysis of Canadian Fishing Gears

Results from a similar study in the US:

• Chuenpagdee, R., L. E. Morgan, et al. (2003). "Shifting gears: assess ing collateral impacts of fishing methods in US waters." Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 1(10): 517-524.

• Morgan, L. E. and R. Chuenpagdee (2003). Shifting Gears:Addressing the Collateral Impacts of Fishing Methodsin U.S. Waters. Washington, DC, Island Press.