Experiment to Evaluate Gear Modification on Rates of Sea Turtle Bycatch in the Swordfish Longline Fishery in the Azores Phase 2

Authors
Bolton, A. and K. Bjorndal
Year
Journal/Publisher Name
Final Project Report submitted to the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service. Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research, University of Florida, Gainesville
Summary

Circle hooks (non-offset 16/0 and 18/0) did not significantly reduce the number of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) caught in the Azores longline swordfish and blue shark fishery when compared with non-offset and offset 9/0 J hooks. Use of circle hooks decreased the rate of throat hooking in loggerhead sea turtles. Circle hooks (non-offset 16/0 and 18/0) caught significantly more blue sharks than J hooks in the Azores longline swordfish and blue shark fisheries. 

Field Studies

Experiment to Evaluate Gear Modification on Rates of Sea Turtle Bycatch in the Swordfish Longline Fishery in the Azores Phase 2

Study Type
Field study in the wild
Location
Azores
Target catch
Swordfish and blue shark
Effect on bycatch species
Did not reduce bycatch; reduced rate of throat hooking
Effect on target catch
Increased blue shark catch when compared to J hooks
Bycatch species
Caretta caretta (Loggerhead turtle)
Reduction technique
Circle hooks
Fishing Gear
Hooks-and-Lines