DiscardLess provided knowledge, tools, and methods that contribute towards the reduction of discards in European fisheries. In the Azores case study, the approach proposed was to develop research focusing on deep-water hook-and-line fisheries and deep-water sharks, by combining baseline data with specific research and dissemination actions. Specifically, the Azores case study’s team built upon previous work to assess the whole ecosystem impact of reducing the unwanted catch of deep-water sharks and the LO (WP1), evaluate the efficacy of technical (WP3) and spatial management (WP4) measures to reduce unwanted bycatch of deep-water sharks, increase survival of released sharks (WP3), and meet the requirements of LO and CFP (WP7-8). Specific activities included improved fisheries data collection and availability (WP1-2), deployment of fisheries observers (WP1), ecosystem and species distribution modelling (WP1-4), selectivity fishing experiments (WP3), biotelemetry, and a guide for the identification and handling of deep-water sharks (WP3). The data and studies undertaken as part of the project were used to support requests of exemptions of the LO in the Azores bottom longline and handline fishery (WP7-8).

The approach proposed for the Azores case study was to develop research focusing on deep-water hook-and-line fisheries and deep-water sharks, by combining baseline data with specific research and dissemination actions.

Discard estimates: We updated and completed the discard situation in the Azores by continuing previous effort to characterise the current level of the problem and identify knowledge gaps that may prevent addressing the impact of the LO. Using four main data sources: 1) Official catch statistics for the Azores; 2) Total unreported catch database; 3) the total marine fishery catch for the Azores; and 4) the Azores Fisheries Observer Programme (POPA) databases, we produced discard estimates for all fisheries occurring in the Azores, allowing to identify the current status of ecosystem knowledge and data and remaining knowledge gaps. The results identified that the overall amount of discards of Azorean fisheries are low, resulting from a high fishing selectivity combined with wide catch utilization.

Ecosystem modelling to study the impacts of discards and the LO on the Azores ecosystem: The Azores EEZ ecosystem models recently developed, parameterised and fitted to time series data of abundance and catch were improved and used to assess the impact of the LO in particular species and in the whole ecosystem functioning, goods, and services. The ecosystem model was further used to test the whole ecosystem impact of different discard mitigation strategies scenarios and estimate the outcomes of selected scenarios. Due to low discard levels in Azores fisheries, the extensive size and great surrounding depths of the Azores EEZ, the ecosystem impacts of the LO are expected to be small.

Fisheries observer program: A small onboard observer program was established to complement the fisheries observer database for the bottom longline and handline fishery. This observer program addressed specific data gaps, and allowed to collect new discard data to update the existing database and collect novel data on survival. The survival data collected by this program were in particular used to support the request of survival exemption that was granted on blackspot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo).

Fishers interviews: Interviews were performed with fishers of the hook-and-line fisheries of Faial, São Miguel and Terceira islands to document their knowledge and perceptions about discard and the LO. Fishers were also questioned about the measures they already take and are willing to take to avoid unwanted catches, including on deep-water sharks. Fishers’ recommendations were used to identify the best locations, times and practices to fish to avoid unwanted catch.

Technical discard mitigation strategy (DMS): Circle hook fishing experiments were undertaken for the first time on deep-water sharks to evaluate the efficacy of this technical measure to reduce unwanted bycatch of deep-water sharks and to increase survival of released sharks The experiments demonstrated that, compared to the J-hooks currently in use in the commercial fishery, circle hooks have higher catchability of deep-water sharks, and do not improve the proportion of deeply hooked individuals nor the overall vitality of bycaught sharks.

Biotelemetry experiments: as part of the fishing experiments, six individuals of leafscale gulper sharks (Centrophorus squamosus) were tagged using miniPat satellite tags. The tags remained on the individuals for several months and allowed to document long-distance horizontal migrations performed by this species, as well as diel vertical migrations.

Deep-water shark identification and handling manual: A manual for the easy species identification and good handling practices of deep-water sharks for fishers was developed by the Azores case study team. In this manual, visual and simple characteristics were identified to distinguish between the 25 species of deep-water sharks known to occur in the Azores, organized along a dichotomous key. Each species is also presented in an individual sheet, highlighting its distinctive morphological characteristics, information on its biology and ecology and a key fact. Good practices for handling sharks were suggested to fishers to improve survival of released sharks.

Predicted distribution: Species Distribution Models (SDMs) of 15 species of deep-water sharks and rays were developed to predict their spatial distribution in the Azores EEZ (up to 2000 m depth) and identify areas of higher richness of deep-water sharks. For 6 species, models were developed to predict abundance and identify areas of higher abundance. Maps were produced to show zones of high discard likelihood. These maps can be used as spatial planning decision making tool to study the impacts of potential scenarios with spatial closures for spatial management, and by fishers as a tool to reduce unwanted bycatch of deep-water sharks.

Support to the implementation of the LO in the Azores: along the duration of the project, the team provided recommendations on the development and implementation of effective DMS, and on how a discard policy may be framed and implemented to efficiently achieve its purpose. Several consultations with the Regional Government of the Azores were undertaken to provide scientific support to help for the implementation of the LO in the region. The data collected and studies undertaken as part of the project were used to support requests of exemptions of the LO in the Azores bottom longline and handline fishery.

Book on the European Landing Obligation: one of the output of the DiscardLess project was a book about the European Landing Obligation, in which the Azores case study team contributed with 5 books chapters.