How are sea turtle populations affected by Hawaii longline fishermen?
Sea turtles can become hooked and or entangled in pelagic longline fishing gear. When accidentally hooked or entangled, sea turtles can usually be released alive. Leading sea turtle scientists have concluded that not even the total elimination of the Hawaii longline fisheries would result in a measurable impact on Pacific sea turtle populations because incidental captures and mortalities are so rare. NOAA prepared Biological Opinions in 2004 and 2008 and concluded that the anticipated impacts of the Hawaii longline fisheries on sea turtles was not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of these species.
