Effect of type of bait on pelagic longline fishery–loggerhead turtle interactions in the Gulf of Gabes (Tunisia)

Published source details Echwikhi K., Jribi I., Bradai M.N. & Bouain A. (2010) Effect of type of bait on pelagic longline fishery–loggerhead turtle interactions in the Gulf of Gabes (Tunisia). Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 20, 525-530.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Use a different bait type: Sea turtles Action Link

Use a different bait type: Sea turtles

A replicated study in 2007–2008 in pelagic waters in the south of the Gulf of Garbes, Tunisia (Echwikhi et al. 2010) found that using stingray Dasyatis pastinaca as bait in a longline fishery reduced unwanted catch of loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta compared to using mackerel Scomber scombrus, but also increased catch of commercially-targeted sharks. Fewer turtles were caught with stingray bait (0.2 turtles/1000 hooks) compared to mackerel (1.2). Catch of commercially targeted sandbar sharks Carcharinus plumbeus was higher with stingray bait (19 sharks/1,000 hooks) compared to mackerel (13 sharks/1,000 hooks). J-hooks (111 mm long, 57 mm wide) were baited with pieces of stingray or whole mackerel. Data were collected by onboard observers over 21 trips on longline vessels during July–September in 2007 and 2008. In total, 48 sets of fishing gear were deployed overnight (stingray: 19, mackerel 29 deployments) using 35,950 hooks (stingray: 13,800, mackerel: 22,150 hooks) during 21 fishing trips. Fishing gear comprised a mainline (20–35 km long) with branchlines (8 m long) suspended horizontally by floats. Baited J-hooks were located at the end of branchlines approximately 40 m apart.

(Summarised by: Katie Sainsbury)