Fishing gear substitution to reduce bycatch and habitat impacts: An example of social-ecological research to inform policy

► Habitat impacts were lowest with longlines and bycatch lowest with pots. ► Gear substitution would allow more business options and profit for some trawlers. ► Trawlers would prefer to convert to pots rather than longlines. ► The preferable management option would be long-term gear conversion. ► Study led to a regulatory change legally allowing trawlers to substitute gear.