Why Is Bycatch a Problem

Ecologically, bycatch can change the availability of prey, which affects marine ecosystems and the productivity of fisheries. Bycatch can negatively affect species such as dolphins, sea turtles, protected fish, and whales by harming animals, contributing to population declines, and impeding population recovery.

What are the impacts of bycatch?

Bycatch can be a problem especially when endangered, threatened and protected species such as turtles and dolphins are accidentally caught, injured or killed. Another problem associated with bycatch includes disrupting the food chain by inadvertently taking fish that other fish rely on as food.

How big of a problem is bycatch?

While bycatch data is often outdated and inaccurate, researchers estimate that 17-22 percent of U.S. catch is discarded every year, according to the best available data. Bycatch in the U.S. could amount to 2 billion pounds every year, equivalent to the entire annual catch of many other fishing nations around the world.