Fishing methods to reduce sea turtle mortality associated with pelagic longlines

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Citation: Watson, J.W., S.P. Epperly, A.K. Shah, and D.G. Foster., 2005. Fishing methods to reduce sea turtle mortality associated with pelagic longlines. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 62, ps 965-981.
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Summary:

18/0 circle hooks when compared with J hooks significantly reduce loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and leatherback (Dermocheles coriacea) sea turtle bycatch in Atlantic longline fisheries for pelagic swordfish. Circle hooks also reduced the rate of hook ingestion by loggerhead sea turtles. The combination of circle hooks and mackerel bait was the most effective in reducing sea turtle bycatch and had no negative effect on swordfish catch.

Use of novel bait species (mackerel instead of squid bait) reduced loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and leatherback (Dermocheles coriacea) sea turtle bycatch in the Atlantic longline swordfish fishery. The combination of circle hooks and mackerel bait was the most effective in reducing sea turtle bycatch and had no negative effect on swordfish catch.

Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) bycatch in the Atlantic longline fishery increased with an increase in total soak time. Soak time was insignificant for swordfish but it was significant for bigeye tuna.

Field Studies:
Location Fishing gear Reduction technique Bycatch species Effect on bycatch species Catch Effect on target catch Type
United States Hooks-and-Lines Circle hooks Sea Turtles Reduced bycatch and hook ingestion Swordfish No negative effect In the wild
United States Hooks-and-Lines Novel bait species Sea Turtles Reduced bycatch Swordfish No negative effect In the wild
United States Hooks-and-Lines Decreased soak time Sea Turtles Increased soak time increased bycatch Swordfish and tuna Insignificant for swordfish but significant for bigeye tuna In the wild