Bycatch reduction in the Northeast USA directed haddock bottom trawl fishery

We investigated the performance of a large mesh faced (upper and lower wings, side panels, first bottom belly) bottom trawl designed to capture haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) while reducing the bycatch of cod (Gadus morhua) and other species. This experimental net, named the Eliminator Trawl™, was tested using two vessels, F/V Iron Horse and F/V Sea Breeze, in side-by-side catch comparison hauls with the currently regulated net. A total of 100 successful comparison tows were completed. All species captured were weighed for total weight. Haddock, cod, and the majority of the flounders were measured. The Eliminator Trawl™ significantly reduced the catch of stocks of concern including cod, yellowtail flounder (Limanda ferruginea), winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus), witch flounder (Glyptocephalus cynoglossus), and American plaice (Hippoglossoides platessoides). Other species such as monkfish (Lophius americanus) and skate (unclassified) also showed a significant decrease in catch in the Eliminator Trawl™. In addition, the catch of haddock, the target species, did not differ significantly between nets. The results of this study indicate that the Eliminator Trawl™ would be an efficient tool in gaining access to closed areas and used in recovery programs to exploit more abundant fish species. Examples in the Northeast USA include a B Days-at-Sea Program (DAS) as well as a Special Access Program (SAP) where the Eliminator Trawl™ appears to meet the minimum bycatch requirements to be considered for both these programs.