bycatch

noun

by·​catch ˈbī-ˌkach 

-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

Protecting critical life stages through spatial and size-based regulations (such as establishing conservation zones, implementing size limits on catches, and reducing bycatch of young sharks) could help mitigate these risks. —Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025

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

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

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bycatch

• attach
• despatch
• detach
• dispatch
• mismatch
• nuthatch
• potlatch
• toothache
• bache
• batch
• brach
• catch