Depredation of catch by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Florida king mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla) troll fishery

摘要: We documented depredation by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Florida king mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla) troll fishery. Between March and June 2003, we conducted 26 interviews of charter commercial fishermen Islamorada, Florida, 23 along Florida’s east coast from Fort Pierce south to Lake Worth Inlet. All indicated they had observed depredating bait or catch—king being species most often taken dolphins. During on-board observations between found that took 6% caught 20% fish fishermen. concluded dolphin occurs commonly this fishery has potential incur a significant economic cost To address concern, preliminary tests gear modification designed reduce December 2003 January 2004. These demonstrated outrigger planer will successfully deter engaging depredation, without causing reduction ca