Catch Welfare in Commercial Fisheries

Abstract

The introduction of catch welfare to commercial wild-capture fisheries will be challenging. In this chapter, we discuss how taking a science-based approach to understanding catch welfare in commercial fisheries could lead to practical solutions to improving welfare that will not only have ethical benefits, but may also have tangible benefits for the fishery, including improved sustainability, product quality and shelf life, and hence profitability. There has been little research to date specifically directed at the development of catch welfare in commercial fisheries. However, there is a substantial and growing body of literature on the fate and vitality of released animals from commercial fisheries—most recently catalysed by the introduction of the Landing Obligation in the EU. Furthermore, there is much to be learned from the aquaculture industry with regard to good welfare practices and product quality, particularly regarding catch handling and slaughter. This chapter utilises this available knowledge to develop a risk assessment-based framework for identifying capture-related stressors and suggests ways of mitigating their impact on the welfare of the catch, as well as on product quality. This framework is developed in context with four contrasting case study capture methods: trawl, purse seine, gill/trammel nets and pots. Finally, it concludes with a summary of the current research priorities and significant strategic challenges for developing welfare-conscious practices in commercial fisheries.