Stakeholder attitudes to adopting mitigation measures in Argentinean trawl fisheries

An Argentinian side trawler pulls its net, photograph by Leo Tamini

Agustina Iwan (Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras, Mar del Plata, Argentina) and colleagues have published in the journal Society & Natural Resources on using interviews to identify barriers for the take up of mitigation measures in Argentina’s offshore demersal trawl fleet.  The senior author took up an ACAP Secondment in 2023 that allowed her to travel and conduct research in Queensland and Tasmania, Australia towards this publication for five months in 2023.

Illustration from the publication

The paper’s abstract follows:

“Reducing fisheries bycatch is a global challenge, with social factors playing a significant role in the adoption of mitigation measures (MMs). This study investigates these factors within Argentina’s offshore commercial bottom trawl fleet, where research remains limited. Through a qualitative approach, 29 interviews with key stakeholders were conducted to explore perceptions of bycatch and MMs.  Analysis revealed four main barriers to MMs uptake: perceptions of cumbersomeness, ineffectiveness, lack of an adequate control system, and Argentine cultural influences. Participants emphasized the need for improved governance strategies, collaboration among stakeholders, and tailored educational programs to enhance MMs uptake.  Additionally, effective communication, trust-building, and incentives emerged as essential elements for fostering the use of MMs.”

With thanks to Agustina Iwan.

Reference:

Iwan, A., Favero, M., Van Putten, I.E., Arqueros Mejica, M.S., Bergseth, B.J., Lau, J.D.  & Copello, S. 2025: Reducing bycatch in offshore commercial fisheries: stakeholder perspectives on mitigation measures.  Society & Natural Resources.1080/08941920.2025.2463060.

John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 03 March 2025