EPIC- investigating harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) behaviour in the context of the development of improved methods of mitigating the incidental catch of this species in commercial gill-net fishing gear
Overview
| Title: | EPIC- investigating harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) behaviour in the context of the development of improved methods of mitigating the incidental catch of this species in commercial gill-net fishing gear |
| Duration: | Two years |
| Sponsor: |
European Commission DGXIV supported Special Study Project |
| Keywords: | cetacean, by-catch, pelagic trawl, acoustic deterrent, tracking, harbour porpoise, mitigation |
Abstract
This is a two year European Commission DGXIV supported Special Study Project .
The study, which started in June 1997, is investigating harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) behaviour in the context of the development of improved methods of mitigating the incidental catch of this species in commercial gill-net fishing gear to help meet the objectives of ASCOBANS (Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic and North Seas).
This research has been greatly facilitated by access to the two harbour porpoises (Eigil &Freja) at the Fjrd & Baelt Centret in Kerteminde. This purpose built research facility with its large natural seawater enclosure enables controlled studies of acoustic behaviour to be made. The studies have including night time recordings of the porpoises' foraging behaviour, aided by low-light television equipment and a tunnel with good underwater viewing windows.
People
Mr David Goodson
Emeritus Professor Bryan Woodward,
Dr Darryl Newborough
Dr Paul Lepper
Collaboration with
Partners
- The Danish Institute for Fisheries Research , Charlottenlund, Denmark
- The Fjrd & Baelt Centret at Kerteminde, Funen, Denmark
- Kolmardens Djur Park , Sweden.
Publications
Publications