Fisheries Infosite

Environmental Issue

Potting (red rock lobster) - Occasional whale and dolphin entanglements

Issue
Occasionally whales and dolphins get tangled in crayfish pot lines, particularly in Kaikoura area.
Risk
Overall, this is thought to be a minor risk. However, no formal risk assessment has been done on this issue. Records are kept of reported incidents.
Extent of the issue
A lot of pot fishing occurrs around New Zealand. However, there is no observer coverage so we have little information about the number of whale or dolphin entanglements.
Trends
unknown
Current management
none
Future management
none
 
Documents / links
Abraham & Thompson 2008