Gear Types

Different gear types present their own inherent risks and bycatch rates for endangered, threatened, and protected species.

A wide range of gear types are used across the myriad of global fisheries, with and endless variety of personalizations and modifications.  Impacts of bycatch on ETP species depend on both fishery-specific modifications and fishing methods.  Click the links below to learn more about the 5 most common gear types globally, what risks they pose to the different ETP taxa, and what modifications decrease bycatch rates.

Gillnet underwater

Gillnets

Gillnets
Longline fishing gear

Longlines

Longlines

Pots and Traps

Pots and Traps

Purse Seines

Purse Seines

Trawlers

Trawlers