Bycatch & Beyond

Reduce bycatch of cetaceans and sharks by creating a network of fishermen-actors in the collection of conservation data.

The bycatch & beyond project

CONTEXT AND MAIN ISSUES

In the Bay of Bengal, artisanal fishermen catch thousands of rays and sharks every year, often unintentionally. These largely underestimated unreported catches could represent up to two or three times the mass of fish actually landed, threatening the survival of these sensitive species.

What’s more, the crucial lack of scientific data hinders the conservation of these species, even preventing the granting of protected status to rare and emblematic species such as the whale shark or angel shark.

GOALS

Involve artisanal fishermen in Bangladesh in monitoring and reporting catches of rays and sharks using low-tech GPS radio boxes, in order to quantify by-catches and better protect these endangered species.

METHOD

The project uses a participatory approach, providing artisanal fishermen in the Bay of Bengal with low-tech GPS radio boxes.

These devices will enable scientists to centralize reported catches, providing valuable data on the temporal and geographical location of shark and cetacean bycatch.

By working closely with fishermen to install and use these devices, the project encourages community involvement in monitoring, and promotes sustainable fishing with more responsible practices.

HOW IS THIS PROJECT INNOVATIVE?

This project stands out for its participative and technological approach to reducing shark and cetacean bycatch in the Bay of Bengal. By distributing GPS radios to artisanal fishermen, Bycatch & Beyond collects valuable data for more sustainable fishing.

Pure Ocean supports this project for its technological and social innovation, and its potential impact on the preservation of endangered marine species.