This Marine Institute report, produced under the EMFAF 2021-2027 Marine Biodiversity Programme, evaluates the biological, operational and economic performance of different pot designs for targeting crayfish in Tralee Bay. It compares pot fisheries with traditional tangle net fisheries using field trial data collected from 2021-2025. The report assesses catch composition, size selectivity, soak-time effects, landings, economic value, fishing costs, and sustainability implications. Statistical analyses using Generalised Additive Models (GAMs) were employed to standardise comparisons between gears. The study was undertaken to investigate alternative fishing methods capable of reducing bycatch of protected and endangered species while maintaining commercial viability for the Irish crayfish fishery.
