Abstract
The use of small cetaceans as bait is a practice that has been reported worldwide, affecting the conservation status of vulnerable species. In Peru specifically, it has been documented since at least the late 1990s. Here we document the various contemporary uses of small cetaceans, including targeted capture for subsequent use as fishing bait. We designed a survey addressing fishery characteristics, bycatch and the use as bait of small cetaceans, and the history of these practice. We surveyed 147 fishers based in the four Peruvian ports of Paita, Salaverry, Pucusana and Ilo and held in-depth interviews with 12 fishers from Salaverry and Pucusana. Results from our surveys show that the majority of fishers have had small cetacean bycatch while fishing and that bycaught individuals in gillnets are commonly found dead (Salaverry: 100% of fishers, Pucusana: 58%) whereas in longlines small cetaceans are found alive (Paita: 74%, Ilo: 53%). We found that the use of dolphins as bait is still common in both gillnet and longline shark fisheries along the coast of Peru and that it is more frequent in northern ports. Gillnet fishers reported using one to four dolphins as bait per trip (10-15 sets) from bycatch events and discarding the rest if they have excessive bycatch, while longline fishers reported using 10 to 20 dolphins per fishing trip from either direct take by harpooning or the exchange of carcasses from gillnet vessels. Bycatch and use as bait mainly affects four species, the dusky, bottlenose and common dolphins and the Burmeister's porpoise. We identified three drivers of the use of dolphins as bait: effectiveness, availability and cost. These factors will have to be addressed in parallel if this practice is to be reduced. We recommend combining legislative and community-led strategies to reduce bait use and thus further the conservation of small cetacean populations in the southeastern Pacific Ocean.
Highlights
The primary focus of research assessing interactions of small cetaceans with fisheries has been on bycatch (Read et al, 2006; Read, 2008; Davidson et al, 2012; Reeves et al, 2013)
Given the size of the small-scale fleet in Peru and the conservation status of certain small cetacean species, the magnitude and extent of this practice should be factored into population estimates and conservation measures
Our results show that the use of dolphins as bait remains prevalent in Peruvian shark fisheries despite national legislation banning the capture and commerce of marine mammals
Summary
The primary focus of research assessing interactions of small cetaceans (i.e., dolphins and porpoises) with fisheries has been on bycatch (Read et al, 2006; Read, 2008; Davidson et al, 2012; Reeves et al, 2013). Cetacean Bait in Peru Fisheries that is effective, fresh and inexpensive or free (Cosentino and Fisher, 2016; Mintzer et al, 2018) This practice has been reported in Latin America for marine and for freshwater cetacean species such as the Amazon river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis) and the tucuxi (Sotalia fluviatilis), for the piracatinga (Calophysus macropterus) fishery in Brazil, Colombia and Peru (Mintzer et al, 2013; Brum et al, 2015; Campbell et al, 2020). Monitoring of landings in ports and fish markets from 1990 to 1993 estimated that the small cetacean catch reached 15,000–20,000 individuals per year, mostly used as a food source (Van Waerebeek and Reyes, 1994) Concern over these high numbers of captures led to legislative changes in 1996 that prohibited the capture, use, consumption and trade of dolphins and porpoises (Law No 26585, 9 April 1996). Given the size of the small-scale fleet in Peru and the conservation status of certain small cetacean species, the magnitude and extent of this practice should be factored into population estimates and conservation measures
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