NEphrops and CEtacean Species Selection Information and TechnologY (NECESSITY)

In project NECESSITY (contract 501605) twenty three institutes and their respective subcontractors were working together in two Task Groups, i.e. Nephrops and Cetaceans to develop alternative gear modifications and fishing tactics in collaboration with the fishing industry to reduce by-catches in the relevant Nephrops and pelagic fisheries, without reducing the catch of target species significantly. The project consists of ten work packages, as follows: WP1: Management and co-ordination WP2: Statistical planning, modelling and analysis WP3: Species selective Nephrops gears WP4: Alternative tactics Nephrops fisheries WP5: Biological effects Nephrops fisheries WP6: Cetacean by-catch and alternative tactics WP7: Gear modifications pelagic trawls - Cetaceans WP8: Impact on Cetacean stocks WP9: Socio-economic repercussions WP10: Dissemination and implementation The duration of the project was 38 months. Special emphasis was given to disseminating the results of the work to the fishing industry and recommending proper implementation of alternative gears and fishing tactics, as well as knowledge transfer between partners from North-West Europe and the Mediterranean. Biological and socio-economic effects were also evaluated. The main objectives were: o To develop effective and acceptable gear modifications (by-catch reduction devices) and alternative fishing tactics in co-operation with the fishing industry to reduce the by-catch and mortality of non-target fish species in European Nephrops fisheries, and determine the biological effects and socio-economic repercussions of using these. o To develop effective and acceptable gear modifications (by-catch reduction devices and acoustical deterrents) and alternative fishing tactics in co-operation with the fishing industry to reduce the by-catch and mortality of cetaceans in European pelagic fisheries, and determine the biological effects and socio-economic repercussions of using these.