Summary
Tests with captive, as well as wild, juvenile sandbar sharks (Carcharhinus plumbeus) were undertaken to determine the effectiveness of electropositive metals in reducing the interactions with longline gear. Electropositive metals deterred feeding in groups of captive juvenile sharks for a short period of time and altered the swimming patterns of individuals when food motivation was not present. In the field, electropositive metals placed within 10 cm of the bottom longline hooks reduced the catch of sandbar sharks by around two thirds, compared to the catch on hooks with a placebo.