Responsibility measures

Coloured gear like ropes becomes mandatory to help trace the region, the species cultured (or fished) and the local aquaculture site.

Farmer/user responsibility Farmer/user responsibility

Photo: Rui Silvestre Photo: Rui Silvestre

Relevant type of aquaculture:

Fish Shellfish Seaweed

Relevant sea basin:

Baltic

Relevant stage:

Prevention and reduction

Related Barriers:

  • Lack of political support.

  • Lack of self-organisation of aquaculture farmers or fisheries.

  • Lack of coordination on administrative level.

Related Good Practice:

P&R GP 10.2

Mandatory colouring of rope

For example, in Eastern Canada specially coloured, braided rope have become mandatory in every lobster and crab fishery to help trace gear that entangles whales in spring 2020. The rope must identify the region, species being fished and individual fishing area. The requirement is also intended to maintain access to the U.S. seafood market by demonstrating Canada has rules comparable to those in place for fishermen south of the border. The details were spelled out in a notice to fish harvesters that was issued by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), and make good on a promise made by the federal government. Fourteen fisheries will operate with new colour schemes. The interlaced coloured strands must be a minimum of 15 centimetres in length and, at minimum, will be required at the top, middle and bottom of the vertical line, or every 27 metres.