Gear Trials Program At Sea Research - Reduction of Winter Flounder Bycatch in the Whiting Fishery

  • Program: Challenge Grant Program for Conservation Engineering Projects
  • Project Duration: January 1, 2011 - June, 2014
  • Status: Completed

Project Team:

  • Emerson Hasbrouk, Cornell University Cooperative Extension Marine Program
  • John Scotti, Cornell University Cooperative Extension Marine Program
  • Tara Froehlich, Cornell University Cooperative Extension Marine Program
  • Kristin Gerbino, Cornell University Cooperative Extension Marine Program
  • Joe Costanzo, Cornell University Cooperative Extension Marine Program
  • Patrick Sullivan, Cornell University, Department of Natural Resources
  • Jon Knight,  Superior Trawl, Pt. Judith, RI
  • Captain Phil Merris, F/V Excaliber, Pt. Judith, RI
  • Captain Jeff Wise, F/V Lightening Bay, Pt. Judith, RI

Project Summary:

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) conducted an at-sea experimental fishing component as
part of the Gear Trials Program to expand on the knowledge and achievements made in the proof of concept and full proposal research done under the Challenge Grant Program for Conservation Engineering Projects. The goal of this at-sea research component was to demonstrate the potential for two different conservation gear modifications to reduce winter flounder bycatch in the whiting small mesh trawl fishery in the Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic winter flounder stock area. The two gear types that were tested were the 12” drop chain sweep and the large mesh belly panel. Data was collected onboard two commercial fishing vessels that targeted whiting. Paired tows were conducted using either the large mesh belly panel or the 12” drop chain sweep as the experimental component and a standard small mesh trawl as the control.

PROJECT Documentation:

Final Report - June 2014

Review Panel Summary