Turtles in fishnets: What happens to accidentally caught turtles, why does it matter and how do we stop it from happening?

                    Nicholas Cairns and Lauren Stoot

                    Biology

The capture of non-targeted species, or bycatch, is a major threat to aquatic biodiversity but is often overlooked in freshwater fisheries. This is a common side effect of commercial fishing and can affect a wide variety of animals from pike to platypus.  Turtles are of particular concern as they are commonly found alongside commercially important fish but because of their need for air, turtles can drown.  Juvenile turtles have naturally low survival and take many years to reach breeding age so populations rely on long-lived adults breeding many times to maintain themselves.  In eastern Ontario there is a small-scale fishery which primarily targets sunfish but often accidentally collects adult turtles.  Our presenters will address this multi-dimensional issue from the natural history of turtles, to the un-natural effects of bycatch and the concerns of managers and fishers.