Bycatch of sea turtles in the Mid-Atlantic sea scallop (Placopecten magellanicus) dredge fishery during 2003

During 2003, fisheries observers aboard commercial vessels in the U.S. sea scallop dredge fishery documented sea turtle bycatch in the Mid-Atlantic region, from Long Island, New York to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. This study utilizes Generalized Linear Model and Generalized Additive Model fitting techniques to identify environmental factors and gear characteristics that influence bycatch rates of sea turtles in the 2003 Mid-Atlantic scallop dredge fishery, and predicts total bycatch in this area during June-November 2003. Significant factors affecting sea turtle bycatch were sea surface temperature and tow speed. In estimating total bycatch, rates were stratified based on sea surface temperature because tow speed was not available in fishing logbooks. Highest bycatch rates occurred in surface temperatures greater or equal to 22°C. Total estimated bycatch of sea turtles during 1 June to 30 November 2003 in the Mid-Atlantic scallop dredge fishery was 749 animals (C.V. = 0.28). by Kimberly T. Murray "First Issued August 2004 Revised and Reissued October 2004." "Web version posted November 9, 2004." System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Includes bibliographical references (page 14). 2004 NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service) NEFSC (Northeast Fisheries Science Center) Library Public Domain 1863