Especies vulnerables asociadas a la pesca con palangre de superficie en barcos nodrizas ecuatorianos

Surface longlining is a fishing gear aimed at catching pelagic fish, but it can also hook vulnerable species such as sharks, turtles, seabirds, and marine mammals. The main purpose of this work was to analyze the incidence of these groups in the fishing activities of Ecuadorian boats. The Public Institute of Aquaculture and Fisheries Research provided the database, corresponding to records of observers on board from 2019 to 2023. The bait used was primarily Dosidicus gigas. Type ‘C’ and ‘J’ hooks were used, with the latter being the most common. A total of 14 species of sharks, one skate (Pteroplatytrygon violacea), and one manta ray (Mobula birostris) were involved in longline fishing. Prionace glauca, Alopias pelagicus, Carcharhinus falciformis, A. superciliosus, and Isurus oxyrinchus had the highest annual incidence. Sharks showed a low relationship with the number of sets. Twenty-five species of seabirds were reported, either feeding or wandering. Oceanites gracilis and Procellaria parkinsoni had the highest incidence. Dolphins were the most representative marine mammals, with the genus Delphinus being the most abundant, and there was no evidence of mortality. Turtles Chelonia mydas and Lepidochelys olivacea had recurrent records, while Caretta caretta and Dermochelys coriacea were sporadic. Sharks were the only group that presented mortality, while turtles showed body injuries without mortality. Under this scenario, it is necessary to develop and apply management measures that promote the protection of vulnerable species.