Some marine mammal populations have rebounded in recent decades. But this conservation success story can also lead to conflicts with fisheries, harbors, and property owners. This includes dolphins, whales, seals, and sea lions eating fish from hooks and nets and damaging fishing gear and harbor infrastructure, which leads to economic losses.
To learn more about how deterrent methods are being used, the NOAA Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee has released an anonymous survey on marine mammal deterrents. The goal of this survey is to identify which marine mammal deterrents are considered the most effective by users to protect fishing gear, fishing catches, vessels, docks, aquaculture facilities, and other property. Data and information from the survey will inform recommendations on how NOAA Fisheries (or partners) could best invest future resources to further research marine mammal deterrents.
“The information gathered through this survey will help us understand the nature of marine mammal interactions and use of deterrents in various situations,” said Kristy Long, from the NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources.
