Hooked and Injured Marine Life

[Shaka Doug]

Recently my friends and I have noticed a significant number of "hooked" green sea turtles, rays, and sharks around Maui. We have made several attempts to assist these animals but usually to no avail. I am thinking of writing a weekly article in our local newspaper to alert the public about the seriousness of this problem. Most of these animals are hooked by mistake and are left with very large fishooks imbedded in their mouths, flippers, necks, and other parts ot their bodies. It is a very distressing situation for the animal and very sad to witness. I lead tour groups each day on underwater expeditions to view these beautiful animals and it is extremely disturbing when we happen across one of these unfortunate creatures. Everyone says the hooks will rust and rot away eventually, well thats great but what about the animal who has a hook and 10 to 15 feet (or more sometimes) of steel leader that gets snagged in coral? He becomes stuck and is now unable to escape predators or get to the surface for air. It's very sad to see. I wish the local fishermen had a clue as to what is actually going on under the waves. Do you think photos and stories, with weekly submissions from other eyewitnesses will help? Does anyone out there have similar experiences? It seems to be a real big problem here on Maui. I would really like to do something to help these poor animals. Any suggestions you have would be welcome.

I have been carrying a pair of wire cutters with me recently for those times when I can get close enough to actually cut some of the leader and this has made a difference in at least three sea turtles lives. Three weeks ago we had a large Spotted Eagle Ray with 15 feet of leader/hook assembly that would let us get close but not close enough. I'm almost positive he got caught up in something and is either stuck somewhere or dead by now. Can anything be done to change the fishing practices? It's such a shame and I really want to put an end to it. Please offer some advice!

Thanks very much!

 

[archman]

It's very sad to see. I wish the local fishermen had a clue as to what is actually going on under the waves. Do you think photos and stories, with weekly submissions from other eyewitnesses will help?

Oh, the fishermen are well aware. This is by no means anything "new". This sort of thing gets periodic attention by the media.

I have been carrying a pair of wire cutters with me recently for those times when I can get close enough to actually cut some of the leader and this has made a difference in at least three sea turtles lives. Can anything be done to change the fishing practices? It's such a shame and I really want to put an end to it. Please offer some advice!

Wire cutters are good. That's the best advice I can give. As for changing fishing practices, no nothing realistically can be done. Do you know an alternative to rod-and-reel fishing, or the use of monofilament and metal hooks?

 

[drbill]

Shaka Doug- I have been writing a weekly column in our local paper for 2 1/2 years. I've found that the most enthusiastic local readers are often non-divers, who have no direct experience with the underwater world. A number of local fishermen have said they enjoy it and have learned a few things from it that may help them be better stewards. Education is always worth a try. Don't point too many fingers and use humor liberally IMHO.

Best fishes,

Dr. Bill