A decision support tool for integrated fisheries bycatch management

Abstract Participatory decision tools enable stakeholders to reconcile conflicting natural resources management objectives. Fisheries targeting highly productive species can have profound impacts on co-occurring bycatch with low fecundity and other life history traits that make them vulnerable anthropogenic sources of mortality. This study developed a tool for integrated data-limited data-rich fisheries, improving upon current piecemeal approaches. First, through systematic literature review, participants compile comprehensive database methods mitigate the catch fishing mortality threatened species. These mitigation are then categorized into tiers sequential hierarchy, where interventions avoid capture considered before those minimize catchability, followed by mortality, approaches offset residual impacts. The also assembled within an evidence findings from meta-analytic modelling studies more robust generalizable than individual studies. enables evaluate alternative strategies’ efficacy at meeting specific measurable objectives mitigating costs multispecies conflicts, economic viability, practicality safety, while accounting fishery-specific feasibility compliance monitoring measures. Ongoing adaptation framework addresses performance assessments, updated evidence, new changes governance systems. proposed therefore develop frameworks provide precautionary protection most populations acceptable tradeoffs.