Evaluation of a modified scallop dredge's ability to reduce the likelihood of damage to loggerhead sea turtle carcasses

Authors
Milliken, H.O., Belskis, L., DuPaul, W., Gearhart, J., Haas, H., Mitchell, J., Smolowitz, R. & Teas, W.
Year
Journal/Publisher Name
U.S. Dep. Commer., Northeast Fish. Sci. Cent. Ref. Doc.
Volume (Issue #)
07-07
Page #s
30
Summary

In 2003 and 2004 the scallop industry, Coonamessett Farm, and the Virginia Institute of Marine Fisheries, with funding from the NOAA Fisheries Service, successfully tested a series of chains that excluded turtles from entering the dredge bag. In twelve trials, divers videoed the results of placing turtle carcasses in the path of a modified scallop dredge. Turtle carcasses went over the dredge in all but three trials. Damage was assessed as “slight or none” in all valid assessments of damage to a carcass following an encounter.