Terms of Reference

Post-release Survival of Loggerhead Sea Turtles (Caretta caretta) in the Atlantic Canadian Pelagic Longline Fishery

Regional Advisory Process – Maritimes Region

October 19–20, 2021
Virtual Meeting

Chairperson: Tara McIntyre

Context

The Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) was listed as Endangered under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) in 2017. Incidental capture, or bycatch, of Loggerhead Sea Turtles in pelagic longline fisheries has been documented in all of the major ocean basins (DFO 2010). In Atlantic Canada, this threat is the only documented source of human-induced harm or mortality of Loggerheads (DFO 2010). An assumption of post-release mortality rates (20–45%) for this species in the pelagic longline fishery is based on expert opinion. The Species at Risk Program is requesting an estimated rate of Loggerhead post-release survival  based on telemetry data.  Estimates of post-release survival will help increase understanding of this threat in Canadian waters and inform management and recovery of this species.

Objectives

The objective of this process is:

• To estimate the rate of Loggerhead Sea Turtle post-release survival in the Atlantic Canadian pelagic longline fishery.

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report
• Proceedings

Expected Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Science
• DFO Species at Risk Program
• DFO Fisheries Management  
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• Industry
• Environmental Non-government Organizations

References

• DFO. 2010. Recovery Potential Assessment for Loggerhead Sea Turtles (Caretta caretta) in Atlantic Canada. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep. 2010/042.