In PFMC management, what is bycatch and which measure is commonly used to limit it?

• A. Bycatch refers to non-target species caught incidentally; measures include seasonal closures.
• B. Bycatch refers to non-target species caught incidentally; measure is landing limits only for target species.
• C. Bycatch refers to non-target species caught incidentally; measures include bycatch caps, selective gear, and de minimis allowances.
• D. Bycatch refers to the primary target species; measures include gear restrictions.

Answer: (C)

Bycatch is the incidental catch of species that are not the intended targets. In PFMC management, limiting bycatch relies on a mix of tools rather than a single tactic. Bycatch caps set hard upper limits on how many non-target fish can be landed or discarded, creating a clear constraint on bycatch. Selective gear reduces the likelihood of catching non-target species in the first place, making the fishery more selective. De minimis allowances provide a small, regulated exception that allows a limited amount of bycatch to be landed, providing flexibility while protecting broader conservation goals. While seasonal closures can help reduce bycatch in specific times or areas, the most representative approach combines caps, gear selectivity, and de minimis rules. The other options narrow the concept to a single measure or misdefine bycatch as the target species, which doesn’t capture how PFMC management tackles incidental catch.