Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland

CSAR staff have considerable experience in the study of animal behaviour in relation to fishing gear. Whether it be improvements in fishing gear efficiency, species and size selectivity, or the reduction of environmental impacts of fishing, almost every project requires detailed consideration on the behaviour of both targeted and non-targeted species.

Several factors are known to affect animal behaviour in relation to fishing gear. These included factors intrinsic to the animal (e.g., species, size, condition, sex, experience, hunger), factors related to the environment (e.g., water temperature, depth, ambient light intensity, bottom currents, substrate type), as well as aspects related to the fishing gear itself (e.g., rigging and operation).

Using underwater cameras and acoustics, CSAR staff examine the behaviour of finfish and shellfish species in relation to fishing gear under both field and laboratory conditions. The resulting video and data are then used to not just describe behaviour, but seek functional explanations for the patterns of behaviour observed.

In other words, ascertaining "why" animals choose a certain behavioural expression under certain conditions, and then using that knowledge to improve fishing gear performance.