4. Discussion
This study represents the first assessment of the relative selectivity and temporal efficiency of recreational traps for P. pelagicus,and the concomitant impacts to discards. While the low injuryrates and mortality of discarded P. pelagicus validate existing management practices for controlling exploitation, simple changes to the design and/or operation of traps could minimise unwanted impacts. Relevant modifications can be identified by considering the potential mechanisms contributing towards the observed trap efficiency, and the subsequent effects on discards.