bycatch

noun

by·​catch ˈbī-ˌkach How to pronounce bycatch (audio)
-ˌkech
: the portion of a commercial fishing catch that consists of marine animals caught unintentionally

Examples of bycatch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This deep-sea predator, characterized by its large eyes and tiny teeth, was found during bycatch surveys with shrimp trawlers. Real-Time News Team, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025 Surprisingly, local fishers described the species as an occasional bycatch when targeting fish part of the Sciaenidae family to the authors of a new study highlighting this find, led by Jack Sagumai of WWF Pacific. Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025 But the beauty of the place is just how much of what’s sold here is left to chance: Porgy’s is on a mission to sell bycatch and boost the fishing industry in the process. AFAR Media, 14 July 2025 By contrast, Shark Guardian estimates approximately 100 million sharks are killed globally each year, including being intentionally targeted for fishing as well as those caught by bycatch in fishing nets. Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for bycatch

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bycatch was in 1962

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Cite this Entry

“Bycatch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bycatch. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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