This research examined the spatial and temporal characteristics of pilot whale habitat use and longline fishing effort. The information was used to assess the potential for a spatial management approach to mitigate pilot whale bycatch. The Area Under the Curve and Williamson's Spatial Overlap Index were both used to assess patterns of overlap and bycatch by applying them to telemetry data from short-finned pilot whales, longline fishery effort and Pelagic Observer Program (POP) data (2014-2015). Based on this analysis, important variables influencing pilot whale-longline overlap and POP bycatch rates include: proximity to the 1000 m isobath, season, and sea surface temperature. Pilot whales had the highest density inshore of the 1000 m isobath. Longline effort along this isobath varies seasonally. Seasonal patterns in pilot whale-longline overlap relative to the 1000 m isobath were significantly correlated with POP bycatch rates, with the highest bycatch rates occurring in the fall and winter months. Based on these results, the authors suggest that a spatial management approach for this unsustainable bycatch warrants further investigation, and provide suggestions for changing how fisheries observers might be deployed to provide data helpful for evaluating a spatio-temporal management strategy for reducing pilot whale bycatch in eastern US pelagic longline fisheries. 

Short term behavioral responses of Chilean dolphins (Cephalorhynchus eutropia) to acoustic alarms, or pingers, were tested using exposure-control experiments (pinger on/off treatments). Field trials were conducted in the south-eastern Chiloe Archipelago  between February and April of 2013. BananaBP154 pingers (FishTek Marine) were used for the tests. Static passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) techniques were used at two sites (Bahia Yaldad and Canal San Pedro) and land based observations, which included theodolite tracking, were also conducted at Bahia Yaldad. Static PAM techniques and C-PODs were used to determine the effects of a single pinger on echolocation rates and movement patterns. Fifty seven groups of Chilean dolphins were tracked with the theolodite, with 45 groups providing good resolution movement data within the vicinity of the pinger. Visual data are currently being analysed to determine effects of a single acoustic alarm on movement patterns, grouping behavior and spatial area use of the dolphins. Acoustic encounter rates of Chilean dolphins at the six C-PODs are currently being analysed. Preliminary analysis suggest pingers are unlikely to have caused substantial behavioral changes in Chilean dolphins.

Loggerhead sea turtles have a high-density foraging hop spot in Baja California Sur, Mexico. This spot coincides with intense bottom-set net fisheries. Controlled studies were conducted in Baja California Sur, Mexico between 2007 and 2009 to compare turtle bycatch rates with target catch rates, composition, and market value between control and buoyless nets. A total of 136 controlled sets were made. The results suggest that mean turtle bycatch was reduced by 68% with the use of buoyless nets but target catch rates were not impacted. 

Right whale survey data and Canadian fishing gear deployment data were used to estimate the threat of gear entanglement to right whales in the Scotia-Fundy region and the risk of lethal entanglement in the Bay of Fundy and Roseway Basin, Scotian Shelf. The following fisheries were investigated: groundfish and pelagic hook and line, groundfish gillnet, and crab, hagfish and inshore/offshore lobster traps. Groundfish hook and line gear poses the largest threat to right whales during the summer resident period in the Bay of Funday and on Roseway Basin (Critical Habitat). The lobster fishery poses the greatest threat during the spring and summer periods as whales migrate to and from Critical Habitat. Gillnet's pose a considerable gear related threat, 18% of the total threat.