Evaluation of mitigation measures for sea turtle take reduction in the Hawaii-based longline fishery

Abstract

Computer simulation was used to evaluate mitigation measures for sea turtle take reduction in the Hawaii-based longline fishery. Federal logbook and observer data were merged with high-resolution environmental data to produce generalized additive models of sea turtle take. Various types of seasonal and spatial closures were evaluated as well as possible fishing gear modifications. These results led to the formal adoption of a multifaceted management policy consisting of a seasonal spatial closure of the fishery south of 15/spl deg/N during April and May, combined with a gear restriction to prohibit swordfish style fishing in the upper surface layers for the entire fishery.