Characterization of discards along a wide bathymetric range from a trawl fishery in the NW Mediterranean

Discards represent a loss of natural resources and negatively affect the sustainability fisheries. Information on discards, such as diversity size species discarded is essential to better manage trawl Thus, this study aims gain knowledge discards from Catalan bottom fisheries in NW Mediterranean Sea offer information needed for management. Discard ratios, composition lengths were analyzed data collected board commercial trawlers, November 2018 December 2020 by depth, zone, season. ratio varied among depths 30.5% shallowest depth (20 – 70 m) 14.3% deepest (400–700 m), with being main factor determining discards. This also focused six species, i.e. European hake ( Merluccius merluccius ), red mullet Mullus barbatus black-bellied angler Lophius budegassa poor cod Trisopterus capelanus deep-water pink shrimp Parapenaeus longirostris ) Norway lobster Nephrops norvegicus ). The length at which 50% individuals (L 50d was lower than Length First Maturity (LFM) Minimum Conservation Reference Size (MCRS) species. These findings provide relevant comply Marine Strategy Framework Directive’s (EU Directive 2008/56/EC) ecosystem approach evaluate implementation measures fisheries’ best management practices, gear selectivity spatial planning.