Overview
Study the behavioural characteristics that make small cetaceans (i.e. porpoises and dolphins), and certain fish species or age groups vulnerable to capture in trawl fisheries Develop alternative fishing strategies, or fishing gear modifications, to reduce the by-catch in trawl fisheries Consider the biological and socio-economic ramifications of modifying the fishing gear and practices Transfer the information gathered to other fisheries subject to similar concernsContribution to policy development
By reducing by-catch, NECESSITY will help the EU meet its commitments under the Common Fisheries Policy “to protect and conserve available and accessible living marine aquatic resources” By reducing by-catch of cetaceans, NECESSITY will support the EU Council Regulation requiring Member States to take steps to ensure that incidental capture does not have a negative impact on cetacean species The socio-economic aspects of the project will help “provide for rational and responsible exploitation, on a sustainable basis” It will increase understanding of the consequences of adopting or varying particular fishery management measuresProject Deliverables

Design and tests of fishing gear and cetacean exclusion devices – December 2004 Development of cost-benefit analysis (CBA) methods and models – September 2005 Modified fishing gear selectivity trials – December 2006 Sea trials of acoustic deterrents – June 2006 Assessment of cetacean behaviour and reactions to deterrents – June 2006