Reduction of mortality linked to accidental by-catch PDF Print E-mail
Mortality brought about by accidental by-catch of European sturgeon is today considered as one of the main threats to the species.  Yet, the “Sturio”, covered with bony plates that form a type of shell, is a particularly robust fish.  Its resistance to traumatisms that arise from accidental capture, which are inevitable in the waters that it frequents, is widely acknowledged and means that, in the majority of cases, this fish is still alive when the fishing gear hauls the catch on board.  The attitude of the fisherman can influence the future of the species and it is a matter of giving a sense of responsibility and mobilising them to save the European sturgeon.  The “Sturio” must be released, whatever its condition, and its capture must be notified.
Capture_Belgique_2007
             By-catch - Belgium 2007 (RBINS)
In order to develop this approach, the CNPMEM has, since 2006, organised an information and awareness campaign, targeting the maritime and inland fishing sectors, based on the lessons learnt from previous communication operations.  The main objectives of these actions consist in limiting mortality linked to by-catches in order to increase the chances of mature individuals returning to spawning grounds.  Information gathered during these rare events must also enable knowledge of the situation and the biology of the species to be improved.  The strictly protected status of the species and the attitude to adopt in case of capture are the guiding lines of this work.
 
The communication operation was first undertaken on the French coasts and was aimed at players in the maritime and estuary sectors of the Atlantic and Channel coasts.  This work particularly allowed contact with the fishing ships that, during the course of their activity, have the greatest possibility of coming across this large migratory fish. (pour en savoir +).
 
This campaign has, since 2008, been extended to cover the European range of the species.  Messages and instructions relating to the conservation of the European sturgeon in its natural environment now circulate within the main countries concerned: Belgium, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany, Ireland, Denmark and Spain. (pour en savoir +).
 
This action is beginning to bear fruit.  Six sturgeon that were accidently caught in French and Belgian waters in 2007 were either released alive or taken to Cemagref’s experimental facilities, where they will be included in further artificial reproduction programmes.  Other, less fortunate fish were also caught off the coast of the Netherlands (2007) and Norway (2008).  Since the release of thousands of alevins in the Dordogne and Garonne in 2007 and 2008, some by-catches, without any gravity, of juveniles have been notified in the Gironde basin.
 
The interest and involvement of the fishermen in such an operation to protect the species contribute to the enhancement of their image set against the background of responsible fishing for the sustainable development of their activity.
These campaigns must be continued and consolidated in the long term throughout Europe in order to prevent the erosion of the message delivered.  Particular communication efforts should be developed in France targeting fisheries working close to the Gironde estuary mouth and in the Pertuis Charentais.
Last Updated on Saturday, 07 November 2009 12:29