Do fish traps pose any risks to other wildlife?

Unintended Captures

Fish traps can have a significant impact on non-target species. Turtles, for example, can become trapped in fish traps, especially if the trap is designed with a small entrance or if the turtle mistakenly enters the trap while searching for food. In some cases, turtles may even die from drowning or exhaustion while trying to escape. To minimize the risk of turtle captures, fish traps should be designed with a large entrance and a clear escape route.

Designing Fish Traps for Safety

When building fish traps, it’s essential to consider the size and design of the trap to prevent unintended captures. A good rule of thumb is to use a trap size that is at least 4-6 inches larger in diameter than the typical size of the target fish species. Additionally, the entrance to the trap should be positioned at a depth of at least 6-8 inches below the water surface to prevent small mammals and birds from entering the trap. By considering these factors, fish traps can be designed to minimize the risk of capturing non-target species.

Techniques for Reducing Mortality

In addition to designing fish traps for safety, there are several techniques that can be used to reduce mortality rates of non-target species. One approach is to use a “bycatch reduction device” (BRD), which is a device that allows non-target species to escape from the trap. BRDs can be installed in the trap to allow fish to pass through while preventing turtles and other non-target species from becoming trapped. Another approach is to use a “tangle net” or a “gillnet” with a mesh size that is large enough to allow non-target species to escape. By using these techniques, fish traps can be designed to minimize the risk of capturing and killing non-target species.