What is incidental catch?

Incidental catch, also known as bycatch, is the unintended capture of non-target species during commercial fishing operations. It is a major issue in the fishing industry and can have significant impacts on the sustainability of fisheries, as well as the populations of non-target species. Incidental catch often includes species such as dolphins, sea turtles, birds, and sharks, many of which are endangered or protected. The method of fishing, such as drift nets or trawls, can affect the amount and type of bycatch, and efforts have been made to reduce incidental catch through the use of more selective fishing gear and methods. However, incidental catch still remains a significant issue in many fisheries around the world, and efforts are ongoing to find solutions that balance sustainable fishing practices with the conservation of non-target species.