Impact of Shrimping Tow Time on Loggerhead Sea Turtle Mortalities and Shrimp Fishery Economics: Research Information Report to Support DSEIS on Endangered and Threatened Species of Sea Turtles, 1981

摘要

Since 1978, selected research has been conducted on sea turtles by SEFC, and data have been collected on (1) the relationship between mortality of sea turtles captured in shrimp trawls and the length of trawl towing time, and (2) resuscitation of comatose sea turtles. The report describes the effect the length of trawl towing time has on sea turtle mortality, and presents resuscitation results. Data indicate that reduced two times can be considered as a means of reducing sea turtle mortality. However, reduced two times will have a corresponding negative economic impact on the shrimp industry that must be considered. An economic evaluation of this impact - as the cost to the shrimp industry if reduced tow time was used to protect sea turtles - is included as a supplement to the report.