REJEMCELEC Reducing discarding in the English Channel and Irish Sea through selectivity of fishing gear

In response to European regulations concerning the landing obligation set out in the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), the REJEMCELEC is offering practical solutions to improve the catch selectivity of trawlers belonging to two French fisheries organisations, the Organisation de Producteurs de Basse Normandie (OPBN) and the Organisation de Producteurs COBRENORD en Manche et Mer Celtique. The selective gear will be tested at sea. Retained target species and unwanted species will be defined by zone and by fishing period on the basis of individual interviews with volunteer fishing boat skipper-owners.

The results obtained will be evaluated and communicated to the industry and the scientific community.

The aim of the REJEMCELEC is thus to:

- Precisely identify the issues surrounding discards encountered by OPBN and OP COBRENORD trawlers in the English Channel and Irish Sea;

- Test and evaluate the selective gear against technical, economic and practical criteria;

- Evaluate and communicate the results obtained to those working in the industry, fisheries managers and the scientific community.