ARBAS

Context

Fisheries bycatch, particularly of protected, endangered and threatened species (PETs), is a global problem due to the vulnerability of these species, which are characterised by low reproductive rates and late maturity. This additional mortality can lead to population declines and negative impacts on marine ecosystems. To address this problem, on-board monitoring, remote tracking systems and species distribution analysis are needed to identify the fisheries and species most affected and to develop effective mitigation measures. In addition, the economic impact of the depletion of these species needs to be assessed, given their ecological and charismatic value, as well as the employment and economic impact on the fishing industry. European legislative frameworks such as the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and Regulation (EU) 2021/1139 promote the conservation of vulnerable species and sustainable fisheries. In this context, the ARBAS project aims to integrate data on ecosystems and fishing activities to assess bycatch, its mitigation and the economic importance of conserving these species.

Objectives

The general objective of this project is to contribute to improving the assessment, mitigation and economic valuation of bycatch of protected, endangered and threatened species by means of a multidisciplinary approach that will be developed through the following specific objectives:

• To assess the bycatch of PETs species in the Basque Country fishing fleet, as well as the environmental and/or fishing factors that affect this bycatch.
• To identify potential mitigation measures that could be implemented as a priority to reduce bycatch by improving knowledge of the interaction between PET species and fishing gear.
• Compare the economic value that society places on PETs species associated with bycatch in commercial fisheries versus the potential impact in terms of the service provision they provide.