Survey to Address Conflicts Between Marine Mammals and Fisheries

Marine mammal populations have been making a comeback in recent years, a conservation success story that has also brought about new challenges. Dolphins, whales, seals, and sea lions are now causing conflicts with fisheries, harbors, and property owners by consuming fish from hooks and nets, damaging fishing gear, and impacting harbor infrastructure. These interactions are leading to economic losses for those affected.

To address these conflicts, the NOAA Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee has launched a survey on marine mammal deterrent methods. The goal of the survey is to gather information on which deterrents are most effective in protecting fishing gear, vessels, docks, aquaculture facilities, and other property from marine mammal interactions. The data collected will help inform future recommendations on how resources can be best allocated for researching and implementing effective deterrent strategies.

Kristy Long, from the NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources, emphasizes the importance of understanding marine mammal interactions and the use of deterrents in various situations. The insights gained from the survey will provide valuable information for developing strategies to mitigate conflicts between marine mammals and human activities. This initiative aims to enhance coexistence between marine mammals and coastal communities while safeguarding economic interests.

For more information on the survey and methods to deter conflicts with marine mammals, visit the NOAA Fisheries website. By participating in the survey, stakeholders can contribute to efforts to better understand and address the challenges posed by increasing marine mammal populations in coastal areas.

Source