One of the biggest threats facing sea turtles is mortality through fishing bycatch - when a non-targeted species is caught. The majority of fishing's impacts on sea turtles are from commercial operations, however, turtles are also sometimes caught from the shore with hook and line. It's important to know what to do in the event that you catch a non-targeted species such as sea turtles. Better yet, it's important to take measures that will limit the chances of bycatch. Below are some marine mammal and sea turtle-friendly fishing tips from the NOAA, as well as instructions from the South Carolina DNR on what to do if you accidentally hook a sea turtle.
Never abandon fishing gear. Hooks, lines, or nets left in the water can entangle and kill sea turtles and marine mammals.
Use barbless circle hooks and knot-free buoy lines to reduce injuries.
Inspect gear often to avoid unwanted line breaks.
Recycle fishing line and stash your trash.
Change fishing location if sea turtles or marine mammals show interest in your bait or catch.
Don’t cast your line if a sea turtle or marine mammal is in the area.
Don’t discard bait or cleaned fish remains into the water, as sea turtles and marine mammals may associate the area with food.
Never feed or attempt to feed sea turtles or marine mammals – it’s harmful and illegal!
Release catch quietly away from marine mammals and according to state and federal fishing regulations.
For more tips from the NOAA, visit https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/resources-fishing/fishing-tips-protect-sea-turtles-and-marine-mammals.
If you catch a sea turtle from the shore or from a pier, the SC DNR provides the following guidance:
Bring the turtle to shore or get it up on the pier. Keep your hands away from the turtle's mouth and flippers.
Support the turtle’s body weight while lifting it from the water using a large size dip net for smaller sized animals.
Cut the line, but leave at least three feet of line attached to the hook.
Call the SCDNR 24-Hour Hotline at 1-800-922-5431. The DNR will contact a member of the Turtle Patrol licensed for stranding response.
Keep the turtle in the shade and cover it with a wet towel. The turtle will wander around, so it will need to be contained. Do not turn the turtle on its back.
Remember all turtles have powerful jaws especially loggerheads (South Carolina’s most common sea turtle). Never attempt to pry a turtle’s mouth open with your hands.
If the turtle is simply snagged and the hook can be easily removed from, remove hook and line and safely release the turtle back into the water. If the hook is embedded in the mouth or throat, contact the DNR.
For additional information, including what to do if you catch a turtle while fishing off-shore, view the SC DNR guide at https://www.dnr.sc.gov/seaturtle/volres/hookremoval.pdf.
