Evaluating Patterns in Fishing Gear Removal From Incidentally Captured Leatherback and Loggerhead Sea Turtles in the US Atlantic Pelagic Longline Fishery

ABSTRACT Incidental capture of imperilled sea turtles by longline fisheries is a conservation concern; thus, solutions to reduce the severity of resulting injuries and mortality are a priority. Interaction characteristics, handling methods and the amount and location of gear remaining on bycaught turtles affect the degree of injury and influence survival. Development of safe handling and gear removal practices was implemented in the US Atlantic and Gulf of America pelagic longline fishery in 2006. Deciding whether to bring sea turtles on board and/or remove fishing gear is dependent on the availability of release tools, training, willingness and environmental conditions. In all cases, removing as much line as possible to prevent ingestion and entanglement is essential to minimising injury. We evaluate gear removal outcomes for bycaught loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles from 2014 to 2023 by area, hooking location and boating status. At least 19% of all leatherbacks were released with ≥ ½ carapace length of line remaining or entangled, with the highest proportion seen for leatherbacks (45%) caught in the Gulf of America. There was a higher probability of complete line removal on leatherbacks in the Northeast Distant waters than the Gulf of America, as well as from those entangled rather than externally hooked. Area and hook location were significant predictors of complete line removal in loggerheads, with the highest probability from those that were externally hooked rather than in the mouth. Our results will be used to guide outreach and training efforts and track future performance.