What has historically been the most immediate threat driving population decline for the Atlantic Wolffish?

Answer

Bycatch in commercial fishing gear, particularly bottom-trawling nets

The most immediate historical driver of population decline cited for the Atlantic Wolffish has been incidental capture, known as bycatch, within commercial fishing operations. This often occurred due to the use of gear designed for other species, such as large traps or, most notably, bottom-trawling nets. Although the fish’s thick, leathery hide sometimes offered momentary survival outside the water, repeated capture and stress associated with being caught in trawls frequently resulted in mortality. While habitat degradation and rising ocean temperatures are severe long-term threats, bycatch represented the most acute and immediate pressure on historical population numbers.

What has historically been the most immediate threat driving population decline for the Atlantic Wolffish?

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