Sea lions and fur seals Interaction with fisheries and aquaculture in South America: Threats and management perspectives

SZTEREN, D.; DURÁN, L.; OLIVA D.; SEPÚLVEDA M.; CRESPO, E.A.; MANGEL, J. C; ALFARO-SHIGUETO, J.; GUERRERO, A.; OLIVEIRA, L.R.

MAMMAL REVIEW

WILEY-BLACKWELL PUBLISHING, INC

Lugar: Londres; Año: 2021

0305-1838

For most pinniped species, incidental mortality (or ?bycatch?) due to interactions with fisheries and aquaculture has been identified as the main cause of mortality of these species. In South America in particular, this problem has not received sufficient attention for decades, and consequently, there is an urgent need for research and conservation measurements, particularly for species of conservation concern. 2. This study reviews contributions developed in the last two decades of operational and biological interactions of pinnipeds in fisheries and aquaculture activities in South America, and discusses the conservation and management implications of pinniped interactions in the near future. 3. We systematically reviewed scientific and technical articles discussing different issues related to pinniped and fisheries and aquaculture interactions, focusing especially on those studies made in South America. 4. Two species of pinnipeds are mostly involved in interactions with fisheries and aquaculture in South America. The South American sea lion (Otaria flavescens) and the South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis). Although common in South America, phocid species do not have registered conflicts with human activities. 5. Frequent biological and operational interactions are reported with artisanal and industrial fisheries, which result in catch losses due to predation, as well as incidental captures and Page 1 of 37 Unreviewed manuscript For Review Only 2 mortality of sea lions and fur seals during fisheries operation. These interactions are also reported for salmon farming in southern Chile. 6. Different methods have been developed to remove, deter or harass pinnipeds, such as time-area closures, acoustic deterrents and modifications to fishing gears. However, there is limited progress in the incorporation of mitigation measures in South America due to ecological aspects that are unknown or that cannot yet be overcome with current technology, the cost of modifying nets or incorporating alert devices, and the scarcity of fishing controls.