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by Lorelei Stevens

	Thomas Moth-Poulsen (DMF photo)

    BOSTON, MA - The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) has selected Thomas Moth-Poulsen to head its dynamic Conservation Gear Program.
    He takes over for long-time DMF gear researcher Arne Carr, who has achieved international recognition for his work on innovative gear designs to reduce unwanted bycatch. Carr took early retirement in 2001 to pursue other opportunities.
    DMF is clearly thrilled to have Moth-Poulsen come on board. He hails from the Danish Institute for Fisheries Research, where he coordinated international research projects on fishing gear selectivity. His extensive experience also includes flume tank development of selective trawls and advising both the Danish Ministry of Fisheries and the European Commission on technical measures to reduce bycatch in target fisheries.
    "Thomas' experience, knowledge, and international reputation allows us to remain on the cutting edge of conservation while maintaining sustainable and profitable fisheries for Massachusetts," said DMF Director Paul Diodati.
    Moth-Poulsen began work early in December, joining DMF's Mike Pol and Mark Szymanski at the agency's facility in Pocasset. The Conservation Gear Program already has several research projects well underway to improve the selectivity of trawls, gillnets, and longlines.
    In recent years, DMF has been aggressively promoting the use of its sweepless raised footrope trawl to minimize effects on habitat and reduce bycatch of restricted groundfish species.