Estimated loggerhead and unidentified hard-shelled turtle interactions in Mid-Atlantic gillnet gear, 2007-2011

"The total number of interactions between loggerhead and hard-shelled (loggerheads plus unidentified hard-shelled) turtle s and commercial gillnet gear in the Mid-Atlantic from 2007-2011 was estimated by using data collected by Northeast Fisheries Observer Program (NEFOP) observers and at-sea monitors (ASM). A generalized additive model (GAM) was used to estimate interaction rates (defined as the number of turtles per ton of fish landed), which were then applied to commercial Vessel Trip Report (VTR) data to estimate the total number of interactions. From 2007-2011, an annual average of 95 hard-shelled turtles (CV = 0.21, 95% CI over all years: 60-138) and 89 loggerheads (equivalent to 9 adults) were estimated to have interacted with gillnet gear. An estimated 52 annual loggerhead interactions (equivalent to 5 adults) were considered to result in mortality. Gillnet trips landing monkfish had the highest estimated number of loggerhead and hard -shelled turtle interactions during 2007-2011. Estimated rates and interactions have decreased relative to those from 1996-2006"--Abstract. Kimberly T. Murrary. "May 2013." "Web version posted November 26, 2013"--Document home page http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/publications/tm/tm225/ System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Includes bibliographical references (pages 11-12). 2013 NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service) NEFSC (Northeast Fisheries Science Center) Library Public Domain 1864