PONE-D-24-11630Effect on catch efficiency and bycatch by introducing an Excluder device in the trawl fishery for lesser sandeel (Ammodytes marinus)PLOS ONE

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This study was financed by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries of Denmark through the GUDP (Green Development and Demonstration Program) in the project ‘MiniMakS’ (34009-20-1674). We also wish to thank the crews and teams of “S205 Ceton”, the Flume tank in Hirtshals, and Jonathan Stounberg for their cooperation and assistance in the project, and not least Greenline Fishing Gear (http://www.greenlinefishinggear.com) and Tor-Mo Trawl ApS (http://www.tormotrawl.dk/) for developing and producing the tested Excluder. 

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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5. Review Comments to the Author

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Reviewer #1: The use of soft BRD Excluder significantly reduced the bycatch ratio above certain sizes while did not affected the catch efficiency for lesser sandeel. Although it is not mandatory to be used in the local sandeel trawl fishery, its soft-netting, catching effectiveness and easy-operation properties indicated its potential to be used in other commercial fisheries and to be an alternative for rigid BRD. The results was significant for research and fishing practice, and the paper was well written and data analysis was reasonable. It is recommended to be accepted with minor revisions below:

Table 1. hauling positions (latitude and longitude data) could be removed since they are already presented in Figure 1.

Too many tables in the paper. Could Table 2 and 3 be transferred to figures? It is easy to see the difference between control and Exclude in a figure.

I want to see a discussion section about the mess block of the Excluder. A larger volume of sandeel and some bycatch species need to bypass the device (in a short time?). Are the mesh blocked by the passed fishes and therefore affect the effectiveness of the device although the towing speed was not so high?

Reviewer #2: The manuscript evaluates the effect of an Excluder device on catch efficiency and bycatch reduction in the trawl fishery for lesser sandeel. The study involves experimental sea trials comparing standard trawl configuration with and without the Excluder. Results indicate that the Excluder significantly reduces bycatch of non-target species such as haddock, mackerel, and grey gurnard without substantially affecting the catch efficiency of the target species.

The study addresses a relevant issue in fisheries management by investigating the potential of the Excluder device to reduce bycatch in a targeted sandeel fishery. The manuscript is well-structured, and the methods and analyses are generally sound. However, there are a few minor corrections needed to improve clarity and accuracy.

Minor Corrections:

Line 72:The scientific name “Ammodytes marinus” should be abbreviated to “A. marinus” in its second occurrence within the parentheses.

Line 80:Please add the scientific name for Norway pout, which is “Trisopterus esmarkii.”

Experimental objectives This innovative design is particularly beneficial for net drum users, as it ensures the Excluder can be easily reeled onto net drums, enhancing both operational efficiency and safety.

Data collection: In summary, the data collection method described has several critical flaws that need to be addressed to enhance its scientific validity. Reliance on subjective skipper estimates, lack of clarity on sample collection timing, and inconsistent sampling fractions are significant issues. Clear guidelines for sub-sampling and a thorough explanation of measurement and raising techniques are necessary. Addressing these concerns will improve the accuracy and reliability of the data collected, ensuring more robust scientific outcomes.

Line 159: In Equation 1, the variables d_n and d_w need to be defined in the text. Please provide definitions for these terms to ensure clarity.

Overall, the manuscript provides valuable insights into bycatch reduction technologies and their potential applications in sustainable fisheries management. With these minor corrections, the manuscript is suitable for publication in PLOS ONE.

Recommendation:

Minor Revisions: The manuscript should be revised to address the specific corrections outlined above. With these minor revisions, it is suitable for publication.

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Reviewer #1: No

Reviewer #2: No

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Effect on catch efficiency and bycatch by introducing an Excluder device in the trawl fishery for lesser sandeel (Ammodytes marinus)

PONE-D-24-11630R1

Dear Dr. Eigaard,

We’re pleased to inform you that your manuscript has been judged scientifically suitable for publication and will be formally accepted for publication once it meets all outstanding technical requirements.

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Kind regards,

Abdul Azeez Pokkathappada, Ph.D.

Academic Editor

PLOS ONE

 

Additional Editor Comments (optional):

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Reviewers' comments: