Skip to main content

Longline Fisheries

Sea turtles face injuries and deaths from accidental capture in fishing gear, especially long lines, posing a significant threat.
The Problem

1,000’s of Sea Turtles are Caught in Longline Fisheries

Each year, sea turtles are accidentally captured, injured or killed by fishermen. Many of these injuries and deaths take place while turtles are migrating through fishing areas. The turtles, attracted to the bait, get caught on the hooks used to catch fish. A long line is a huge fishing line that can have thousands of hooks and lures and can stretch for several miles behind boats. Many of the fish that are being sought after live in the same areas as turtles. When a turtle is caught unintentionally the hook can kill them because it could prevent them from getting to the surface to get air. Furthermore, if they don’t die from drowning, the hook can be permanently debilitating because it can get lodged in their digestive systems and eventually cause a much slower death.

Trans Alps Adventure
Tracking the Numbers

Taking a Closer Look

The global fishing fleet is currently 2.5 times larger than what oceans can sustainably support.
4,600
Sea turtles killed yearly by US fisheries
250k
Estimated number of loggerhead turtles snared each year by commercial longline fishing
90%
Reduction in encounters with loggerhead turtles after switching from the traditional hook to the larger circle hooks
The Solution

Switch to Circle Hooks

In a study conducted by the NOAA Fisheries Pascagoula Laboratory and the NOAA Fisheries Miami Laboratory, in cooperation with Blue Water Fishermen’s Association, encounters with leatherback and loggerhead turtles were reduced by 65 and 90 percent, by switching from the traditional hook to the larger circle hooks. This research was such a success that NOAA Fisheries now requires the use of these new technologies in U.S. longline fisheries in both the Atlantic and Pacific. Specifically, U.S. longline fishermen in the Pacific are now required to use circle hooks instead of the standard industry J-hook and squid bait and are required to carry certain types of equipment and utilize handling protocols to facilitate the safe release of sea turtles.

Tour and Stopovers
How You Can Help

Tips & Resources

Buy Sustainable Seafood

When purchasing seafood at the grocery store or a restaurant, look for an indication that it’s sustainably sourced. Not sure? Ask the business or download the Seafood Watch Guide.

Educate Your Friends and Family

The more people know about sea turtles, the more likely they are to support conservation efforts and adopt responsible practices.

Petition the government to inspect fishing vessels to ensure they are following laws

Gather evidence of the issue you want to address. This could include reports of illegal fishing practices or turtle bycatch, data from marine conservation organizations or local authorities showing how fishing vessels are failing to comply with laws, and testimonies or concerns from local communities, conservation groups, or scientists about the impact of non-compliant fishing vessels. Submit the petition to the appropriate government agency or department that oversees marine conservation and fishing regulations.

Show Support for Fishermen using Circle Hooks

Support businesses or fishers who use circle hooks by buying from them, supporting their brands, or even partnering with them if you run a related business or organization.

Useful Information