Purse Seine Guidebook
Fish Sharks in the Net to Release Them
A bycatch release method tested in the Atlantic Ocean, based on skipper suggestions, involved fishing sharks with baited hooks after they were already encircled by the tuna purse-seine net and then releasing them outside the net. In seven sets, 11 silky sharks (21% of those present) were safely caught and released in good condition, and all tagged individual sharks survived.
The process was simple, posed low risk to both the catch and the gear, and was effective for removing sharks from the net without harming them. However, it also has some practical limitations, such as the time required to fish the sharks or the difficulty of applying the method in rough seas.
This technique shows strong potential as a bycatch mitigation tool, although further trials are needed to optimize it for broader use.
