Bycatch reduction in the deep-water shrimp (Pandalus borealis) trawl fishery with a large mesh top panel

• Simple modification of fishing gear mitigates bycatch problem in shrimp fishery. Large mesh panel last upper belly section the trawl reduces bycatch. do not lead to significant loss. In Northeast Atlantic deep-water ( Pandalus borealis ) fishery, juvenile fish and represents a problem. This study evaluated if inserting 200 mm size top-panel three sections tapered could reduce juveniles while maintaining catch efficiency for shrimp. The species investigated were Greenland halibut Reinhardtius hippoglossoides ), redfish Sebastes spp.) polar cod Boreogadus saida ). smallest was significantly reduced, no effect found redfish. large did loss results this illustrate how simple can mitigate without losses target species.