Seabird use of discards from a nearshore shrimp fishery in the South Atlantic Bight, USA

摘要: Shrimp trawling is common throughout the southeastern and Gulf of Mexico coasts USA primary contributor to fisheries discards in these regions. Tens thousands nearshore seabirds nest near shrimp grounds USA, but date, there has been no assessment relationship between trawlers. We examined taxonomic composition bycatch, rate at which scavenged energy density discarded bycatch a commercial fishery. Bycatch was primarily comprised demersal fish that are not typically accessible plunge-diving surface-feeding occur area. Hence, seabird diets region appear be broadened taxonomically by availability discards. Results from discard experiments indicated 70% nearly 5,500 items hand were fate item most strongly predicted its order. Laughing gulls greatest proportion discards, although brown pelicans only species scavenge more than based upon their abundance. Because this first such study region, it difficult ascertain extent or intensity impact have on seabirds. Nonetheless, our results suggest will for managers clearly understand fluctuations local population dynamics without understanding rely This may especially problematic situations where populations recovering following natural anthropogenic stressors.