Fishers and whales in Iceland

In Iceland, as in many places globally, the detrimental impacts of whale interactions with fishing gear on both fisheries and whales are not well understood managed. This study conducted anonymous questionnaires Icelandic fishers interviews capelin purse seine boat captains to gather first-hand knowledge issues face due interaction their gear. Results suggest that humpback is large species most often entangled or encircled causing damage, however occasion other interacting well. Interactions between appears be primarily concentrated north/northeast southwest country where there high effort known feeding habitat. Humpback occurred seines, which targeting prey, data suggests bycatch this fishery may underreported. Damage losses collisions were reported cost up 55.000.000ISK, suggesting can a costly issue for mitigation measures should explored. The use acoustic “pingers” one measure has been previously tested by purse-seiners something indicated they would interested continuing try. creation entanglement/whale-gear reporting system Iceland aid gathering more quantifying how these events witnessed what consequences whales. provides new information about future collaboration provide insight contributing best management practices sustainable conservation.