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

Authors
Bolten, 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
Volume (Issue #)
1
Page #s
1-20
Summary

Circle hooks (non-offset 16/0 and 18/0) caught significantly more target blue sharks (Prionace glauca) than J hooks in the Azores longline swordfish fishery. There was no significant difference among the hook types tested in the number of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) caught, although J hooks had a significantly higher rate of throat capture compared with circle hooks. 

Link
https://www.bmis-bycatch.org/system/files/zotero_attachments/library_1/45FDM8SS…

Field Studies

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

Study Type
Field study in the wild
Location
Azores, Portugal
Target catch
Swordfish and blue shark (Prionace glauca)
Effect on bycatch species
No significant difference in capture rate
Effect on target catch
Increased target catch
Bycatch species
Sea Turtles
Caretta caretta (Loggerhead turtle)
Reduction technique
Circle hooks
Fishing Gear
Hooks and Lines