The following article was recently published--
Powell, J. and R.Wells. 2011. Recreational fishing depredation and
associated behaviors involving common bottlenose dolphins (/Tursiops
truncatus/) in Sarasota Bay, Florida. Marine Mammal Science, 27(1): 111-129.
ABSTRACT:
Odontocete depredation involves stealing or damaging bait or prey
already captured
by fishing gear. The increase in depredation is of concern for small stocks
of cetaceans because interactions with fishing gear can lead to serious
injury or
mortality through entanglement or ingestion. Using long-term data sets
available
for the bottlenose dolphin (/Tursiops truncatus/) community in Sarasota
Bay, Florida,
we investigated recreational fishing gear interactions by (1) examining
temporal
patterns in depredation and associated behaviors from 2000 to 2007; (2)
quantifying
the behavior of dolphins that depredate or engage in associated
behaviors; and
(3) identifying factors associated with the rise in depredation locally.
The number
of incidents of dolphins (primarily adult males) interacting with
recreational anglers
and boaters increased following 2004. Depredation and associated behaviors
increased during red tide lags and tourist seasons during times of prey
depletion
and heightened angler and boater activity. Dolphins with a history of
fishing gear
interactions shifted away from natural activity patterns and were more
likely to
be within 50 m of fishing lines. Recreational fishing gear interactions
were attributed
to a two percent population decline in Sarasota Bay in 2006 and need to
be considered along with other cumulative human impacts in the
development of conservation measures for dolphins.
For additional information or a pdf, email Jessica Powell:
[email protected]
--
Jessica R. Powell, M.S.
Biologist
National Marine Fisheries Service,
Southeast Regional Office
263 13th Avenue South
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
[email protected]
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