Modeling juvenile sea turtle bycatch risk in commercial and recreational fisheries

Understanding the drivers of fisheries bycatch is essential for limiting its impacts on vulnerable species. Here we present a model to estimate the relative magni-tude of sea turtle bycatch in major coastal fisheries across the southeastern US based on spatiotemporal variation in fishing effort and the simulated distributions of juvenile Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) and green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtles recruiting from oceanic to nearshore habitats. Over the period modeled (1996-2017), bycatch in recreational fisheries was estimated to be greater than the sum of bycatch that occurred in commercial fisheries that have historically been considered high risks to turtles (e.g., those using trawls, gillnets, and bottom longlines). Prioritizing engagement with recreational anglers to reduce bycatch could be especially beneficial to sea turtle populations. Applying lessons learned from efforts to protect turtles in commercial fisheries may help meet the challenges that arise from the large, diffuse recreational fishing sector.

Automated summary

Understanding the drivers of fisheries bycatch is crucial for minimizing its impact on vulnerable species. A model was developed to estimate sea turtle bycatch in coastal fisheries across the southeastern US, based on fishing effort and simulated distributions of juvenile turtles. Recreation fisheries were found to have higher bycatch than historically high-risk commercial fisheries. Engaging with recreational anglers to reduce bycatch could greatly benefit sea turtle populations, using lessons learned from efforts in commercial fisheries.