By-catch of cold-water corals from an Experimental Trawl Survey in three seamounts within NAFO Regulatory Area (Divs. 6EFG) during year 2004
Authors
Murillo, F.J. (Francisco Javier); Durán-Muñoz, P. (Pablo); Mandado, M. (Mónica); Patrocinio, T. (Teodoro); Fernández-Carrera, G. (Gerardo)Date
2008-05Type
workingPaperKeywords
NAFO Regulatory AreaNorth-west Atlantic Ocean
seamount
trawl
cold-water corals
by-catch
Abstract
By-catch of cold-water corals from a Trawl Experimental Survey developed during 2004 in three NAFO seamounts
was examined. Three hauls were carried out over two peaks located in Divs. 6EF. In this area, catches of
commercial resources were negligible and by-catch of corals was recorded (degraded pieces of dead Enallopsammia
sp and Keratoisis sp and few alive corals like Solenosmilia variabilis, Metallogorgia melanotrichos, Paragorgia
johnsoni, etc.), showing some interaction between fishing and vulnerable habitats and that trawl fishing in the area is
unfeasible. Ninety-two hauls were carried out over one peak located in Div. 6G, with big catches of alfonsino (Beryx
splendens), but only six hauls showing coral records (Enallopsamia rostrata, Solenosmilia variabilis, Madrepora
oculata, Acanella eburnea and Placogorgia terceira) and in less quantities in comparison with Divs. 6EF. The low
by-catch of corals in the Div. 6G peak could be related with their less rough bottom feature ...
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