Experiment to Evaluate Gear Modification on Rates of Sea Turtle Bycatch in the Swordfish Longline Fishery in the Azores. Phase 2;Final project rept

摘要

The objective of this project was to conduct an experiment to evaluate effects of gear modification on rates of sea turtle bycatch in the swordfish longline fishery in the Azores. Based on results from Phase 1 of this project (year 2000), the primary variables evaluated in Phase 2 of the project (year 2001) was hook type and size: Straight J (Mustard no. 39960 ST 18/0). Although the primary objective was to evaluate the effect o f hook type on rates of sea turtle bycatch, the effect of hook type on the location of hooking (e.g. mouth vs. esophagus) was also evaluated. The location o hooking has very important implications for the survival of the hooked turtles. Effect of hook type on rates of catch for target species was also evaluated.