Definition
bycatch
noun
- Fish or other marine animals caught unintentionally in fishing nets or traps meant for other species.
Usage: commonly used in commercial fishing and marine conservation contexts
Examples
- The fishing fleet reduced bycatch by using selective nets that allow smaller fish to escape.
- Dolphins are often killed as bycatch in tuna fishing operations.
- Environmental groups are pushing for stricter regulations to minimize bycatch in the fishing industry.
- The new fishing gear was designed to decrease bycatch of endangered sea turtles.
- Scientists estimate that millions of tons of bycatch are discarded from commercial fishing each year.
- Bycatch of non-target species is a major concern for ocean conservation.