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Bijvangstreductie, or bycatch reduction, denotes a set of practices, technologies, and policies designed to minimize incidental capture of non-target species during commercial fishing. Bycatch includes seabirds, marine mammals, turtles, and undersized fish that are not the fisher’s intended catch. Reducing bycatch helps protect ecosystems, comply with regulations, and improve operational efficiency by avoiding unwanted catch.

Techniques and policy tools used to achieve bycatch reduction include gear modifications such as turtle excluder devices (TEDs) and bycatch reduction devices (BRDs) fitted to trawl nets, circle hooks and changes in bait in longline fisheries, and selective mesh configurations or square-mesh panels to reduce juvenile fish capture. Other measures include bird-scaring devices or streamer lines, acoustic deterrents, and net designs that reduce entanglement. Time-area closures, seasonal bans during peak bycatch periods, and area-specific gear restrictions are used to minimize interactions. Real-time monitoring and reporting, including vessel observers and electronic monitoring, help quantify bycatch and assess measure effectiveness. Market-based approaches such as bycatch quotas or incentive programs may align incentives. Policy context varies by region; international guidelines from FAO encourage best practices and data sharing, while the European Union and other national programs impose discard bans, landing obligations, and mandatory observer coverage. While bycatch reduction can entail upfront costs, it aims to sustain target stocks and protect vulnerable species, contributing to long-term fishery viability.