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 While
bycatch reduction is a major issue in many U.S. fisheries, the
U.S. Gulf of Mexico menhaden industry has used bycatch reduction
devices since the 1950s. Large non-target species which are netted
during the menhaden fishing operation can slow the pumping and
damage  pumping
gear; therefore, attempts are made to remove large bycatch
organisms from the net prior to this process. Currently the
industry employs a hose cage designed to prevent the larger fish
from being drawn up into the pump system. A large fish
excluder is employed, which serves to prevent the passage of larger (over 1
meter), non-target species from entering the hold.
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