MEPS

Marine Ecology Progress Series

MEPS is a leading hybrid research journal on all aspects of marine, coastal and estuarine ecology. Priority is given to outstanding research that advances our ecological understanding.

Online: ISSN 1616-1599

Print: ISSN 0171-8630

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps

Impact Factor2.1 (JCR 2025 release)

Article Acceptance Rate52.2% (2024)

Average Time in Review216 days (2024)

Total Annual Downloads2.933.408 (2025)

Volume contents
Mar Ecol Prog Ser 408:241-250 (2010)

Developing visual deterrents to reduce sea turtle bycatch in gill net fisheries

ABSTRACT: Visual cues play important roles in sea turtle foraging behavior and likely influence their interactions with fishing gear. Altering these cues may be a useful strategy to reduce the incidental catch of sea turtles in various fisheries. We examined the potential effectiveness of 3 visual cues—shark shapes placed along the length of the gill net, illumination of nets by LED lights, and nets illuminated with chemical lightsticks—in reducing bycatch of green sea turtles Chelonia mydas in gill nets. We then adapted these potential deterrents into commercial bottom gill net fishery to quantify their effects on target fish catch rates and the catch value. Our results indicate that the presence of shark shapes significantly reduced the mean catch rates of green turtles by 54% but also reduced target catch by 45% and, correspondingly, catch value by 47%. In contrast, nets illuminated by LED lights significantly reduced mean sea turtle catch rates by 40% while having negligible impacts on target catch and catch value. Similarly, nets illuminated by chemical lightsticks also significantly reduced mean sea turtle catch rates by 60% while having no significant impact on target catch and catch value. These results illustrate the potential for modifying fishing gear with visual deterrents to effectively reduce sea turtle catch rates.

KEYWORDS

John H. Wang (Co-author)

  • Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1125B Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu, Hawaii 96814, USA

Shara Fisler (Co-author)

  • Ocean Discovery Institute, 2211 Pacific Beach Drive, Suite A, San Diego, California 92109, USA

Yonat Swimmer (Co-author)

  • NOAA Fisheries, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, 501 W. Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, California 90802, USA