ClimateJuly 14, 2026
bycatch
/ˈbaɪ.kætʃ/
Definition
The accidental or unwanted capture of non-target marine species, such as sea turtles, during commercial fishing operations.
Etymology
The word is a 20th-century compound formed by combining 'by-' (meaning secondary or incidental) and 'catch' (the act of capturing something). It originated in the fishing industry to label unintended creatures hauled in alongside the desired target species.
In the news
The term is used to describe the primary focus of Maissa Louhichi's marine research. Reducing this accidental capture is a critical environmental challenge that inspired her move from scientific field research into biodiversity policy.
Beyond Passion: Four Young Africans Redefining Conservation Leadership
Read the full article ↗African Wildlife Foundation