High bycatch rate of the coral Cladocora caespitosa offsets the low discards ratio in Thermaikos Gulf gillnet fishery

While hanging nets may have fewer overall environmental impacts than towed gears, they still catch unwanted species and sizes, which are then discarded. Gillnets one of the most common types used in Mediterranean small-scale fisheries, with commercial catches discards containing a diverse range fish invertebrate species. In this study, profile gillnets Thermaikos Gulf (NE Mediterranean) was analyzed focus on discarding unfavorable conservation status, such as Mediterranean-endemic scleractinian coral Cladocora caespitosa, is listed endangered due to declining population sizes. Our survey conducted over two seasons (May October 2020 2021) included 69 fishing trials under realistic conditions. general, exhibited relatively low ratio (17.2%; 7.1% when only were considered) prevalence capture intensity or threatened species; during entire survey, chondrichthyan captured (1 specimen Raja radula), while out 54 vulnerable IUCN status. These advantages offset part by high catchability C. caespitosa colonies, occurred 61% hauls accounted for 53% total biomass 30% discarded biomass. The likelihood hauling living colonies higher known beds (81% vs. 43%), probability any state 18% beds, suggesting that frequently detach from seafloor, dispersed larger area fragments probably survival potential. findings highlight importance identifying so fishermen avoid setting their these areas, provided well-informed educated about ecological significance endemic, threatened, ecologically important