Two test systems were developed to examine fishing line entanglement injuries in large whales. The systems evaluated straight pull abrasion and oscillatory abrasion in relation to tissue compliance. The straight pull abrasion study was used to measure the depth of epidermal penetration after a unidirectional pull of line over a standard draw-length.
See the coverage in the Boston Globe here.
See the coverage in the Boston Globe here: https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/06/07/new-aquarium-centers-promi…
Story featured in the Boston Globe
On June 16, 2016, Massachusetts Secretary for the Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Matthew Beaton, announced a grant to NEAq researchers for developing and testing ropes of reduced breaking strength that are practical for fishing but can also help reduce whale entanglements. Here is the full story as featured in the Boston Globe: https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/06/16/development-whale-friendly-fishing-ropes-gets-boost-from-state/AsybA0iaMQtgdE3JnFc0aK/story.html
Loggerhead sea turtles have a high-density foraging hot spot in Baja California Sur, Mexico. This spot coincides with intense bottom-set net fisheries. Controlled studies were conducted in Baja California Sur, Mexico between 2007 and 2009 to compare turtle bycatch rates with target catch rates, composition, and market value between control and buoyless nets. A total of 136 controlled sets were made. The results suggest that mean turtle bycatch was reduced by 68% with the use of buoyless nets but target catch rates were not impacted.
A literature review of 30 studies was conducted to determine the effectiveness of various bycatch reduction devices for elasmobranchs. The risk of capture was 1.2 times higher on circle hooks but haulbaulk mortality as well as deep hooking was reduced. Wire leaders had higher shark catch and haulback mortality rates compared to monofilament. Hooking position is determined by the hook shape and width combined with bait. These characteristics also affect the ability to sever monofilament leaders.
Information on bycatch of Hector's dolphins in New Zealand waters was reviewed and new estimates were presented. Prior to 2008, 110-150 Hector's dolphins were estimated to be caught annually. Of these, 35-46 were caught of the east coast South Island. Between May 2009 and April 2010, an estimated 23 Hector's dolphins were caught of the east coast South Island. Previous risk analyses have shown similar results. Combined this information suggests continued overlap between Hector's dolphins and fisheries.
Observer data from European purse seine vessels operating in the Atlantic and Indian Ocean (1995-2011) were used to assess spatial and temporal variation in sea turtle bycatch rates. Information from both free swimming school sets and sets made on drifting fish aggregating devices (DFADs) was included in the analysis. Overall the results indicate purse seine fisheries have a very low impact on sea turtles. Annual, 218 and 250 individual sea turtles were estimated to be captured by purse seine's operating in the Atlantic and Indian Ocean respectively.