Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) by catches on long-lines: The importance of olfactory stimuli

Abstract

In order to reduce sea turtle by-catches on surface drifting long-lines during professional swordfish (Xiphias gladius) fishing, the relevance of olfactory stimuli in eliciting predation by loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) was investigated. Choice experiments were run in captivity. Squid-shaped plastic lures having or lacking scomber odour were presented to 27 specimens (22 immatures and 5 adults). The turtles' behavioural responses highlighted the importance of chemical clues in eliciting approaching and biting behaviours. This study was carried out within the framework of the EU-Life Project 'Urgent conservation measures for C. caretta in the Pelagie islands' (LIFE 99 NAT/IT/006271).