Operational Interactions and Economic Impacts of South American Sea Lions ( <i>Otaria byronia</i> ) in Artisanal Gillnet Fisheries in Northern Chile

ABSTRACT We assessed the economic impact and spatial variability of operational interactions between South American sea lions (SSLs) and artisanal gillnet fisheries along northern Chile (18° S–31° S). Of 140 gillnet sets monitored in four coves during May–June 2007, SSLs were present in 57% of nets set and 75% of nets retrieved. SSL occurrence was highest in Arica and Tocopilla. Depredation caused fish damage in 46% of sets, and simultaneous gear and catch damage in 10%, with 94% of fish damage attributed to SSLs. Despite high SSL presence, CPUE was not significantly reduced. Economic loss per unit of effort was highest in coves with high SSL abundance. Mitigation measures implemented by fishers, such as reducing soak time and using sound, were ineffective at deterring SSLs. SSL‐fishery interactions varied greatly among locations, which emphasized a need for integrative socio‐ecological strategies to reduce economic losses, while sustaining artisanal livelihoods and conserving marine biodiversity.