Discarding in the North Sea and on the historical efficacy of gear-based technical measures in reducing discards

We describe and analyse newly available catch and discard data from the English and Welsh fishing fleet operating in the North Sea. In this fleet we estimate that between 2003 and 2006 discard rates averaged 36% by number and 25% by weight. Additionally, we analyse historical discard data from the fleet to evaluate the efficacy of square-mesh panels and increases in codend mesh size. These various gear-based technical measures have been introduced into the fisheries for the purpose of reducing discarding; we demonstrate that these technical measures have been effective in this respect.