Designing a framework for addressing bycatch problems in Brazilian small-scale trawl fisheries

This paper proposes a fisheries management approach to facilitate the adoption of new technologies for bycatch reduction (Bycatch Reduction Devices - BRD) in small-scale fisheries along Brazil׳s southern-southeastern coast. It is a flexible framework derived from the literature and from practical experience with small-scale fisheries and fisheries management in Brazil. The framework consists of four steps: (1) evaluating and understanding the fishing system, (2) conducting BRD experiments, (3) exploring scenarios for BRD adoption, and (4) providing fisheries management support. The principles and concepts of an ecosystem approach to fisheries (EAF), and of adaptive co-management (ACM) within social-ecological systems, guide the framework.