The Bycatch guide – Understanding and addressing bycatch of sensitive species in EU fisheries, jointly published by SAR and some of its members, offers guidance on how to shape successful mitigation strategies to prevent sensitive species being incidentally caught in fishing nets. Tackling the bycatch of sensitive marine species is a vital but complex challenge, and there is no silver bullet. A measure that proves effective in one region may not work in another, as outcomes depend on differences in target species, fishing gear, seasonal patterns, and local ecosystem dynamics. The guide addresses this complexity by providing context-specific measures designed to align conservation goals with the practical realities of fisheries. The “Bycatch guide –  Summary and regional dynamics” provides a summary of the long version followed by an analysis of regional dynamics. 

Press release + Web news with the key takeaways of the guide

The Bycatch guide – Understanding and addressing bycatch of sensitive species in EU fisheries

Bycatch guide –  Summary and regional dynamics

Posted on: 7 October 2025