Alternative bait

Changing the type of bait, such as switching from squid to mackerel, to deter non-target animals (such as sea turtles) that prefer one type of bait versus another (Watson et al. 2005).

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Experiments in the western Atlantic Northeast Distant Waters to evaluate sea turtle mitigation measures in the pelagic longline fishery. Report on experiments conducted in 2001-2003.

Study Type: 

Field study in the wild

Location: 

Atlantic

Target catch: 

swordfish and tuna

Effect on bycatch species: 

Reduced interactions

Effect on target catch: 

Swordfish catch decreased when circle hooks were baited with squid but increased when baited with mackerel. Tuna catch increased when circle hooks were baited with squid but decreased when baited with mackerel.

Article: 

Experiments in the Western Atlantic Northeast Distant Waters to Evaluate Sea Turtle Mitigation Measures in the Pelagic Longline Fishery. Report on Experiments Conducted in 2001-2003

Bycatch species: 

Reduction technique: 

Fishing Gear: 

Field Study 723

Study Type: 

Field study in the wild

Location: 

Western North Atlantic

Target catch: 

Swordfish and tuna

Effect on bycatch species: 

Circle hooks decreased loggerhead and leatherback catch; even more effective for loggerheads when combined with mackerel bait

Effect on target catch: 

Circle hooks combined with mackerel bait increased swordfish catch by weight. With squid, decreased swordfish catch, increased bluefin and albacore tuna catch. Mackerel bait decreased bigeye and albacore tuna catch.

Article: 

Evaluation of hook and bait type on the catch rates in the western North Atlantic Ocean pelagic longline fishery

Bycatch species: 

Reduction technique: 

Fishing Gear: 

Fishing methods to reduce sea turtle mortality associated with pelagic longlines

Study Type: 

Field study in the wild

Location: 

United States

Target catch: 

Swordfish

Effect on bycatch species: 

Use of novel bait species (mackerel instead of squid bait) reduced loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and leatherback (Dermocheles coriacea) sea turtle bycatch.

Article: 

Fishing methods to reduce sea turtle mortality associated with pelagic longlines

Bycatch species: 

Reduction technique: 

Fishing Gear: