At a gear technology and data analysis training in Barbados, which was conducted from 3-7 November 2025, an in-depth review of ongoing gear-selectivity trials, data analysis processes and broader fisheries management activities under the “Strategies, technologies, and social solutions to manage bycatch in tropical Large Marine Ecosystem Fisheries (REBYC-III CLME+) project was conducted.
The Barbados Fisheries Division of the Ministry of Environment and National Beautification was the target audience for training, which was conducted by Dr. Antonello Sala, Lead Technical Advisor (LTA) for Component 1 of the REBYC-III CLME+ project.
During the technical sessions, extensive work was carried out to evaluate the performance of circle hooks in comparison with traditional J-hooks. Trials used dead flying fish bait, and although the limited sample size constrained deeper statistical analysis, early trends indicated that circle hooks performed better, particularly in relation to bycatch reduction and survivability.
A major focus was defining how best to present and compare the C-hook and J-hook datasets, with emphasis on species selectivity, size selectivity (length-frequency comparisons) and alive-return percentages. Discussions emphasised the need for consistent datasets to ensure credible comparisons and the potential for publication once analyses are finalised.
A significant portion of the training addressed inconsistencies found within the dataset. Participant teams worked extensively to clean and standardise fish species names, variable fields and measurement units, ensuring uniformity. Data normalisation techniques were introduced, and missing components such as the length-weight relationship were discussed with reference to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) conversion formulas.
Participants engaged in practical, hands-on exercises – including sampling and subsampling simulations – to improve understanding of analytical tools. Dr. Sala also took the opportunity to rename and reorganise files to harmonise databases across Barbados, Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. This consistent formatting is expected to strengthen future regional catch-comparison studies.
In the analysis of catch-comparison results, the preliminary findings showed that circle hooks are currently outperforming J-hooks for yellowfin tuna, though with exceptions where J-hooks may be more efficient when analysing other species.
The exercise provided participants with stronger analytical capability and a clearer understanding of biodiversity implications and species-specific responses to gear modification.
