By-catch (Noun)
Meaning
Unwanted marine creatures that are caught in the nets while fishing for another species; "thousands of dolphins and porpoises and whales are killed as part of the by-catch each year".
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- Fishing gear can be modified to reduce by-catch of sea turtles and other endangered species.
- The practice of catching only the targeted species and releasing the by-catch unharmed is a difficult one to achieve.
- A significant portion of marine by-catch is composed of sharks and rays.
- Some by-catch, such as small fish and squid, may be used as bait or sold for animal feed.
- Many organizations are working to reduce the by-catch of seabirds, such as albatross and petrels, which can get caught on longline fishing hooks.