1. Fish or other marine animals caught unintentionally in fishing nets or traps meant for other species.
Usage: plural of bycatch; fishing/marine biology term; also called incidental catch

Examples

• The fishing regulations aim to reduce bycatches of endangered sea turtles.
• Dolphins are often killed as bycatches in tuna fishing operations.
• Modern fishing nets are designed to minimize bycatches of non-target species.
• Environmental groups are pushing for stricter rules on bycatches in commercial fishing.
• The study documented significant bycatches of juvenile fish in the deep-sea trawl.
• Bycatches represent a major threat to marine biodiversity in many ocean regions.