Marine Mammal Bycatch in the Southwest Indian Ocean: Review and Need for a Comprehensive Status Assessment

TL;DRAbstract

Incidental catch in fishing gears is a serious, worldwide threat to marine megafauna (particularly sea turtles, sharks and marine mammals). In order to inform the implementation of effective bycatch management strategies, an important first step is to conduct an assessment of the extent of this threat. In the southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO) (from 0 to 25°S, from eastern Africa to 60°E), there is a paucity of published data describing marine mammal bycatch. This review collates available information from a range of sources relating to marine mammal bycatch for nine SWIO countries: Mozambique, Tanzania (including Zanzibar), Kenya, the Seychelles, the Comoros, Mayotte, Madagascar, Reunion Island and Mauritius. An overview of the bycatch issue within each country is provided by considering the following key points: status of marine mammals, fishing effort, bycatch information and mitigation measures. Quantitative information, especially with respect to number of bycaught animals and impact o

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