[APOLOGIES FOR CROSS-POSTING]

 

Dear MARMAM community,

 

In the light of the upcoming ECS Conference in Dundee, Scotland, we would like to invite you to participate in an engaging full-day workshop entitled "Tackling marine mammal bycatch challenges through different mitigation approaches in collaboration with stakeholders" that will take place on 20th April 2026, from 9:00-17:30. The workshop was created on the initiative of currently ongoing EU-funded projects on bycatch reduction and will cover different bycatch aspects and geographical areas experiencing this issue.

Bycatch is a persistent source of human-caused mortality for many marine mammals, especially for small odontocetes and pinnipeds. This complex and sensitive issue requires careful consideration and integration of different and sometimes opposing perspectives where mutual trust, dialogue and co-creation are essential. Following an increased effort to reduce marine mammal bycatch in artisanal and commercial fisheries in the last decade, the workshop will provide a comprehensive overview of recent bycatch mitigation approaches addressing:

 

1) Current knowledge on bycatch,

2) Recent developments, trials, and challenges in the uptake of different bycatch approaches in experimental and commercial fisheries settings,

3) Wider implications and long-term effects of bycatch mitigation measures on endangered marine mammals,

4) Best practices for co-creation of bycatch solutions with fishers, scientists, gear developers, and other stakeholders, and

5) Challenges in bycatch trial designs and data analysis.

Along with informative sessions on ongoing bycatch research and latest findings, participants will be engaged in exercises specifically tailored to experience the importance of perspective.

For those interested, please register via the ECS web site (workshop code: 20F5).

 

For any additional information, do not hesitate to contact me at dunja.jusufovski@hafogvatn.is

Best regards,