Bycatch in the inland commercial hoop-net fishery in southeastern Ontario: Characteristics of bycatch and an evaluation of the lethal and sublethal consequences of incidental capture

One of the main concerns associated with commercial fisheries is the fate of organisms that are captured incidentally as bycatch and then released/discarded.  Bycatch can consist of fish, turtles, mammals and birds, including species at risk. Investigation into fisheries bycatch reduction and survival has primarily focused on marine systems, but with increasing interest in expanding inland commercial fisheries and understanding and mitigating their potential impacts, there is need for scientific information to aid in the development and refinement of regulations and best practices. During a typical fishing season in southeastern Ontario (early April to late June), commercial fishing with fyke nets in shallow water was simulated and rates of capture for both bycatch and targeted species were quantified. Beyond recording incidences and survival of bycatch, we also evaluated sub-lethal consequences of retention using blood physiology, behavioural impairment, and injury metrics for fish captured and retained in the nets for two different durations (i.e. 2 days and 6 days).  We also discuss how the knowledge generated from this research could be used to inform management and conservation.