As part of the Marine Beacon project, Work Package 3 (WP3) focuses on something deceptively simple: improving our understanding of marine wildlife that gets accidentally caught in fishing gear. Yet the work behind this is anything but basic.
Each year, sensitive species such as dolphins, rays, seabirds, and sharks are unintentionally caught in European fisheries. This is known as bycatch. While some of these animals are released alive, many do not survive. For species already under pressure, every individual counts. However, in many cases, we still lack a clear understanding of which species are most at risk, where they are vulnerable, or why it happens.
This is exactly what WP3 aims to address.
Filling the Knowledge Gaps
The WP3 team is creating a shared, European-scale database that brings together what we know about the life cycles, habitats, and movements of species commonly affected by bycatch. These include seabirds, marine mammals, and fish such as rays and sharks, many of which are vulnerable or poorly understood.
To identify where the gaps lie, the team compiles information from scientific studies, conservation databases, fisheries surveys, and fieldwork. For some species, a good deal of information already exists. For others, particularly those that are rarely studied or difficult to observe, knowledge remains surprisingly limited.
Mapping Where Species Live and Where They’re at Risk
Biological knowledge is only one piece of the puzzle. Understanding where and when different species are likely to be present is equally important. WP3 addresses this by combining methods such as tracking, tagging, underwater imaging, and environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling to build a clearer picture.
The goal is to produce detailed, seasonal maps that show how the presence of sensitive species overlaps with fishing activity. These maps are essential for designing effective strategies to reduce bycatch and for supporting better-informed policy decisions.
Estimating the Scale of the Problem
In parallel, WP3 works to improve how bycatch is measured. Accurately estimating how many animals are affected in different fisheries helps to clarify the scale of the issue and whether it is improving or worsening over time.
To achieve this, the team draws on new data sources, works with improved statistical tools, and strengthens cooperation with national observer programmes. This allows for more consistent and comparable estimates across the regions where Marine Beacon operates.
Why This Matters
Reliable information is the foundation of effective action. Whether you’re shaping policy, designing mitigation tools, or working at sea, good decisions depend on shared knowledge. WP3 plays a vital role in building that knowledge base.
In the end, better data supports better outcomes — for marine biodiversity, for sustainable fisheries, and for the long-term health of our ocean.
