The iconic Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua Linnaeus, 1758) has inspired a substantial body of fishing-gear research across its geographical range, with recent efforts predominately to reduce catches of this species in fisheries where their populations are fragile. Despite their iconic status and long history of study compared to other species, our understanding of cod behaviour during the capture process in a bottom trawl remains frustratingly limited. Much of our understanding is derived indirectly through catch results, supported to a limited extent by direct observations of cod in situ or held in laboratories. In this paper, we describe four research challenges and directions that we consider critical to advance our knowledge of cod behaviour, and ultimately, to improve the selectivity of bottom trawls to reduce catches of cod. These include the resurrection of behavioural research to directly observe and measure their reaction and sensory capabilities, and improved interpretation of their behaviour in response to a bottom trawl. It is also our view that progress in limiting catches of cod should emphasize stimulating avoidance in advance or at the mouth of an approaching bottom trawl, rather than retrospectively attempting to do so after they have entered the trawl mouth.

中文翻译：

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底拖网行为：向前推进以限制大西洋鳕鱼的捕捞量

标志性的大西洋鳕鱼（Gadus morhua Linnaeus，1758 年）在其地理范围内激发了大量的渔具研究，最近的努力主要是在种群脆弱的渔业中减少该物种的捕捞量。尽管与其他物种相比，它们具有标志性的地位和悠久的研究历史，但我们对底拖网捕捞过程中鳕鱼行为的理解仍然非常有限。我们的大部分理解是通过捕获结果间接得出的，在有限程度上通过直接观察原位或实验室中的鳕鱼得到支持。在本文中，我们描述了四个研究挑战和方向，我们认为这些挑战和方向对于增进我们对鳕鱼行为的了解至关重要，并最终提高底拖网的选择性以减少鳕鱼的捕获量。其中包括恢复行为研究以直接观察和测量他们的反应和感觉能力，并改进对他们对底拖网的反应行为的解释。我们还认为，限制鳕鱼捕捞量的进展应该强调提前或在接近的底拖网口处刺激避免，而不是在它们进入拖网口后回顾性地尝试这样做。