Technical solutions for European small-scale driftnets

Small-scale driftnets provide a high degree of size and species selection, chiefly through their mesh size. The main environmental impact of driftnets is due to the bycatch of non-target species. At present, few alternative methods to catch target species are available, and there is disagreement on the impact of some of them. The aim of the present study is to analyse and review the literature to find and explore alternative technical solutions to a complete ban on European small-scale driftnet fisheries, taking into account the scientific evidence of the damage that driftnets may cause to the environment in the different regions. Environmental impact on non-target species, including protected species, of current small-scale driftnet fisheries is similar to that of other passive fishing gears, such as purse seines, boat seines, trammel nets, set gillnets, and set- and drifting-longlines. Proposals are advanced to reduce the environmental impact of small-scale driftnet fisheries both in terms of conversion to other activities and improvement of selectivity. The study provides recommendations for policymakers to base their decisions on the circumstances in which driftnets use are not acceptable. It examines the effectiveness of mesh size and twine thickness limits of 90 mm and 0.6 mm, respectively in all driftnet fisheries, the restrictions on the fishing gear types and dimensions, and then the possible selective ban on those driftnet fisheries that are more harmful to protected species and/or are unable to avoid unwanted bycatch of unauthorised species.