RT Report
T1 Shark Depredation and Unwanted Bycatch in Pelagic Longline Fisheries: Industry Practices and Attitudes, and Shark Avoidance Strategies
A1 Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, 
A2 Gilman, Eric
A2 Clarke, Shelley
A2 Brothers, Nigel
A2 Alfaro-Shigueto, Joanna
A2 Mandelman, John
A2 Mangel, Jeff
A2 Petersen, Samantha
A2 Piovano, Susanna
A2 Thomson, Nicola
A2 Dalzell, Paul
A2 Donoso, Miguel
A2 Goren, Meidad
A2 Werner, Tim
K1 ocean
PB Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council
SN 1-934061-06-9
YR 2007
FD 2007
LK https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/13627
UL https://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/13627
NO This document examines shark depredation and unwanted bycatch in pelagic longline fisheries, outlining the industry context, geographic scope, data sources, and mitigation options. It synthesises observer records, fleet logbooks, regulatory reviews, and interviews across the Atlantic, Mediterranean, Pacific, and Australian fisheries to quantify shark interactions and operational impacts. Blue sharks dominate bycatch in many regions, while species- and area-specific variability is considerable. A large proportion of sharks are hauled alive, yet depredation damages target catch and gear, imposing costs on fleets. Finning restrictions in several jurisdictions have reduced retained shark mortality, though catch limits remain uncommon. Promising mitigation measures include chemical, magnetic, electropositive, and electrical deterrents, shorter soak times, and fleet communication to avoid hotspots.
NO https://www.unep.org/regionalseas/
DS UN Environment Document Repository
RD Sep 19, 2026