ScienceSeptember 3, 2026

bycatch

BY-kach

Definition

The unintentional or accidental capture of non-target marine species, such as seabirds, while fishing for other species.

Etymology

The word is a compound of the preposition 'by' (meaning incidental or secondary) and the verb 'catch'. It emerged in the 20th century specifically to describe the unintentional portion of a catch in commercial fishing.

In the news

The article mentions bycatch as a major threat to the black petrel, noting that these birds can become accidentally entangled in nets or hooked on fishing gear while foraging at sea.

Largest-Ever Black Petrel Satellite Tracking Study Reveals Surprises As Tākoketai Takes Flight For Bird Of The Year

Read the full article ↗

Scoop - New Zealand News

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