Ecosystem disruption by fishing fleets is an unnecessary consequence of incorrect design or overuse of unsuitable fishing gear. The end result is unsustainable use of a valuable food resource. Estimates suggest that more than one third of all resources captured by mobile fishing gear are discarded and returned to the sea dead because they are either undersize or a by-catch product unsuitable for the market. However, new methods of fishing using improved gear designs can significantly reduce the discarding of fish and crustaceans. Some of these designs, such as grids and square mesh are beginning to be used and this book demonstrates the successes by considering the scientific merit of each design. Technical detail of the designs are given and the benefits to the ecosystem are illustrated. The book will give the fishing industry and marine resource managers the opportunity to review what is available to minimise ecosystem destruction whilst enhancing fishing opportunities for the fishing fleets and improving the food potential of the oceans. The book will have high class line illustrations and good underwater photographs of the devices in action.
