Initial experiments to assess potential short-term discard survival of cod (Gadus morhua) in the Baltic Sea set-net fishery

Abstract

The European Union’s landing obligation includes an exemption for species with documented high survival rates. This is highly relevant for the cod (Gadus morhua) stock in the Baltic Sea, being in a critical state. This study provides initial information on potential discard survival rates for cod (Gadus morhua) caught in trammel nets in the Baltic Sea. Catch-damage-index (CDI) and Reflex Action Mortality Predictor (RAMP) scores were used to assess fish condition immediately after capture and at the end of observation periods. A total of 61 cod were caught in eight different net fleets fished during three trials. Two cod died in the net and three cod died during the observation period from two to 10 days. The results indicate a potential in dedicating resources to cod discard survival studies.