Alternative Bait Research Articles

The Utilization of Processing Waste (Chicken Intestines and Shrimp Heads) as Alternative Bait in Blue Swimming Crab Fishing in Betahwalang, Demak, Indonesia

The Utilization of Processing Waste (Chicken Intestines and Shrimp Heads) as Alternative Bait in Blue Swimming Crab Fishing in Betahwalang, Demak, Indonesia

Laboratory investigations into alternative baits for the channeled whelk (Busycotypus canaliculatus) fishery

Channeled whelks (Busycotypus canaliculatus) are fished along the eastern US coast using traps typically baited with pieces of female horseshoe crabs (HSC; Limulus polyphemus). However, the use of HSC as bait, particularly females, is controversial because they are already heavily fished because their blood contains a substance that the biomedical industry uses to manufacture a test for pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, the goals of this study were to: 1) develop a cost-effective alternative bait that does not rely on HSCs and 2) determine whether whelk are more attracted to female HSC pieces than male HSC pieces. Seventeen different baits were tested in a total of 209 laboratory bait trials over a total of 5496 h. Whelk attraction to bait was measured by using time-lapse video to quantify the amount of time a whelk interacted with a bait bag containing one of the baits. While whelks were attracted to many of the alternative baits tested, those containing surf clam and green crab parts, were the most attractive. One such alternative bait composed of green crabs and clam bellies (60 GC/40 CBel Mix) resulted in greater whelk interaction than female HSC Prosoma did over a 24 hr period (mean ± SEM whelk interaction time: 60 GC/40 CBel Mix, 9.31 ± 0.52 hrs; female HSC Prosoma, 8.4 ± 4.6 hrs). We also found that male HSC pieces were as attractive to whelks as female HSC pieces, indicating that it may be possible to reduce fishing pressure on female HSCs to aid in conservation of the species. Field testing of these alternative baits is currently underway to determine whether these laboratory findings successfully translate to commercial fishing operations.

Alternatives to corn for baiting wild pigs

AbstractWe examined dietary preferences of wild pigs to discern possible bait alternatives to corn. Captive trials were conducted during spring and fall 2021 in the Wild Pig Research Facility at Kerr Wildlife Management Area, Hunt, Texas, USA. We conducted 2‐choice tests by allowing wild pigs to feed ad libitum on soybeans, split peas, mealworms, and peanuts (spring 2021), and oats, acorns, earthworms, and peanuts (fall 2021), always with corn available as a second choice for reference. In each trial, we used proportion of test bait eaten versus total bait eaten, and relative access to both food sources as indices of bait preference. We found that a higher proportion of corn was consumed than that of any test bait in the spring, but not in the fall. However, we found that earthworms were consumed more than any other test bait in the fall. We also found that corn was accessed more than test baits in the spring, but not more than earthworms or peanuts in the fall. Greater consumption of earthworms relative to other baits, and access rates comparable to corn indicated that earthworms could be an effective alternative bait to corn. Our work suggests that alternative baits may be equally or more effective for attracting wild pigs than corn.

Increasing sustainability in food production by using alternative bait in snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) fishery in the barents sea

The use of food grade wild-captured species as bait for other fisheries questions the sustainability of food production. In pot fisheries, bait is an important factor determining the effectiveness of the gear. In snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) fishery, the pots are normally baited with squid (Illex sp.) and herring (Clupea harengus). This fishery uses substantial amounts of bait for each pot deployment, and it constitutes one of the largest expenses for operating the pots along with costs for fuel. Furthermore, reliance on bait that originates from wild-capture fisheries questions economic and environmental sustainability, and involves additional use of fuel for capture and transportation of the bait which increases the carbon footprint of the industry. Therefore, the use of alternative bait sources is needed. One such alternative bait source can be originating from processed by-products from commercial fisheries. However, for the new bait to be acceptable for the fishery, it must provide comparable catch efficiency as the traditional bait. Therefore, this study aimed at comparing the performance of a new experimental bait against the traditionally used squid bait in the Barents Sea snow crab fishery. The results showed no statistically significant difference in catch efficiency of target-sized snow crab. Specifically, a formal uncertainty estimation based on nested bootstrapping showed that there was no significant difference in efficiency between bait types for target-sized individuals for soak times typically employed in the fishery. Thereby this shows a potential to increase sustainability in food production and a positive effect on the size selectivity by additionally demonstrating a reduced capture of undersized individuals.

Increasing Sustainability in Food Production by Using Alternative Bait in Snow Crab (Chionoecetes Opilio) Fishery in the Barents Sea

Increasing Sustainability in Food Production by Using Alternative Bait in Snow Crab (Chionoecetes Opilio) Fishery in the Barents Sea

Displacement and associated substitution behavior among Texas inshore fishing guides due to perceived spotted seatrout declines

The objective of this investigation was to investigate displacement behavior among inshore fishing guides based on a contextual self-classification measure reflecting guides’ style of participation. Due to a perceived decline of the SST during the 2010 calendar year, significant differences were identified among self-classification categories on two displacement behaviors: (1) substitution of target species for an alternative species, and (2) substitution of primarily used bait and fishing method for an alternative bait or method. The least specialized guide type (Limit Guides) substituted SST for an alternative species more often than All-purpose Guides during the 2010 calendar year. Similarly, Limit Guides also indicated substituting bait or fishing methods for alternatives more often than the most specialized guide group (Sight-casting Guides) during the same time frame. Again, these findings seem reasonable in light of each guide types’ contextual style of participation and based on previous research related to specialization and resource substitution.

Response of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) behaviour to salinity differences: a laboratory scale study

Tilapia is one of the important commodities of freshwater aquaculture in Indonesia which has good immunity and adaptability. One of the adaptations that can be made by Tilapia is physiological adaptation to a high salinity range. Information on the resistance of Red Tilapia to different salinity on a laboratory scale provides basic information to test the use of Red Tilapia bait as an alternative bait in the Tuna longline fishery. The purpose of this study was to determine the behaviour and mortality rate of Red Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) to differences in salinity. This research was conducted at the Laboratory of fish behavior, Bogor Agricultural University in May 2018 with three stages. The first stage is the acclimatization of the test fish in the maintenance aquarium which is carried out in one week. The second stage is to calculate the salinity in water by diluting the desired salinity. The third stage tested the differences in salinity levels on the behavior of the fish in the experimental aquarium. Comparative descriptive statistical analysis was used by comparing Tilapia between various salinity treatments. The random design used in this study was a randomized block design, namely between salinity and the length of time the fish remained in the aquarium. The behaviour of Tilapia during changes in salinity was light stress at salinity 10 and 20 ppt. However, when it rises to 30 ppt the fish are already experiencing severe stress, which is indicated by erratic swimming directions and the number of opercula that are getting slower.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Traditional and Alternative Baits in Prince Edward Island, Canada Lobster Fishery

The American lobster (Homarus americanus) fishery is an economically important commercial activity in Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada. This fishery requires substantial amounts of bait, resulting in an emerging conservation challenge. To address this issue, an alternative lobster bait, manufactured using fresh and process pelagic fish, and dehydrated fish, corresponding to 75% less fresh pelagic fish than traditional bait has been developed by Bait Masters Inc. The performance of the alternative bait compared to that of the traditional bait was evaluated in a field study. This field trial was conducted in eight lobster fishing bays around PEI, during the 2019 lobster fishing seasons. Bait effectiveness was assessed based on catch-per-unit-effort (total lobsters and number of legal-sized lobsters caught per trap), and the ability to produce a catch. An average of five lobsters per trap were caught for both alternative and traditional baits. The results showed that both lobster bait types performed equally well in all PEI lobster fishing areas studied. This indicates that the alternative bait is a viable replacement for traditional bait, allowing the lobster fishery industry to address the bait-species shortage and ongoing conservation challenge.

A basic study on the development of alternative bait for octopus pots

A basic study on the development of alternative bait for octopus pots

Alternative bait trials in the Barents Sea snow crab fishery.

Commercial harvesting of snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) in the Barents Sea started in 2012 by Norwegian fishing vessels. This new fishery has significant bait requirements, representing an emerging conservation challenge. In this study, we evaluate the performance of five alternative (natural) baits manufactured from the waste stream of existing and sustainably managed harp seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus) and minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) capture. Five different types of new bait were evaluated, including seal fat (SF), seal fat with skin (SFS), seal meat with bone (SMB), whale fat with skin (WFS), and whale meat with fat (WMF). A comparative fishing experiment was conducted onboard a commercial snow crab fishing vessel in the Barents Sea (May–June, 2016) to evaluate the performance of traditional bait (squid, Illexs spp.) and alternative baits at catching snow crabs. Performance of the different baits were compared on the basis of the number of commercial crab caught per trap haul catch per unit effort (CPUE) and carapace width (CW). Our results showed that SF and SFS performed equally well to traditional bait, with no statistical difference in CPUE (p-value = 0.325 and 0.069, respectively). All of the other experimental baits significantly decreased CPUE, when compared to squid. No significant effect of bait treatment on CW was detected and the cumulative distribution of CW was the same between control traps and each of the bait treatments. Overall the results indicated that SF and SFS represent a viable alternative to replace traditional bait, addressing a key conservation challenge in this bait intensive snow crab fishery.

Evaluation of a Hydrogel Matrix for Baiting Western Yellowjacket (Vespidae: Hymenoptera).

Baiting is an effective method to manage Vespula spp. yellowjacket (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) populations without having to locate and treat nests. Here, we assessed the utility of a commercially available polyacrylamide hydrogel as an alternative bait material for yellowjacket baiting. The experimental bait (hereafter referred to as 'hydrogel bait') consisted of diluted chicken juice (from canned chicken meat) and fipronil (0.025%, wt/wt) absorbed into granular polyacrylamide hydrogel particles. Three separate 24-h baiting trials were conducted at two different field sites with the western yellowjacket, Vespula pensylvanica (Saussare), as the target species. The monitoring data from pre- and posttreatment periods indicated that baiting with polyacrylamide hydrogel baits provided ≈74-96% reduction in the foraging activity of V. pensylvanica during its active season. In addition to their ability to absorb large quantities of aqueous bait containing phagostimulants and toxicants, the hydrogels' tactile resemblance to fresh meat upon hydration makes them a promising option as a non-meat material for delivering small amounts of insecticides to yellowjacket populations in a highly targeted manner.

When predators become prey: Community-based monitoring of caiman and dolphin hunting for the catfish fishery and the broader implications on Amazonian human-natural systems

Wildlife hunting for commercial products has been responsible for decline of many large vertebrates around the globe. An Amazonian example of this worldwide trend is the use of caiman and dolphins as bait for the piracatinga catfish fishery. While it is a controversial issue in Amazonia conservation, there is no data on key biological aspects, such as age and sex, of those animals illegally hunted for bait. This lack of data complicates understanding of the true impact of bait-hunting on the targeted species. In this study, we present results of one year of participatory monitoring of bait-hunting in 12 communities in the Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve (MSDR), Brazilian Amazonia, during which participants recorded aspects of hunting activity and biometric data of animals used as piracatinga bait. The piracatinga fishery at MSDR has distinct spatial and seasonal patterns, being concentrated close to distribution centers and intensifying during the dry season. Adult male black caiman is the main bait used by fishermen, but viscera of commercial fish provide a potential alternative bait source for the piracatinga fishery. All recorded bait hunting was for caiman, none for dolphins. Despite the predominant use of caiman as bait, MSDR caiman populations remain the largest within the species' distribution. We suggest that informal management of caiman conducted by MSDR residents has guaranteed regional sustainability of the piracatinga fishery. In a broader context, the current study highlights the potential for participatory research with local populations in formulating well-informed decisions for the conservation of natural resources and economic alternatives focused on the conservation of human-natural systems.

Effect of Bait Type and Bait Size on Catch Efficiency in the European Hake Merluccius merluccius Longline Fishery

AbstractWe investigated the effect of bait type and bait size on the catch efficiency of a demersal longline fishery targeting European Hake Merluccius merluccius in the North Sea. Automation of the labor‐intensive processes onboard fishing vessels requires finding alternatives to the traditional bait used in the fishery (i.e., whole European Pilchard Sardina pilchardus). Of the six alternative baits investigated, four resulted in significant reductions in catch efficiency ranging from 32% to 90%. Only chopped Atlantic Herring Clupea harengus was a reasonable alternative bait, with an estimated non‐significant loss of only 2.12% in European Hake catch efficiency. Our results demonstrated that choice of bait type and size can affect the catch efficiency of different sizes of European Hake. Thus, the choice of bait may also affect the size distribution of the catch. The latter highlights the importance of considering fish size when inferring the effect of bait choice on the catch efficiency of longline fisheries.

Molecular Identification of Entomopathogenic Nematode Isolates from the Philippines and their Biological Control Potential Against Lepidopteran Pests of Corn.

In search for local entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) species as a biological control agent of lepidopterous insect pests of corn, a survey for EPN in the major islands in the Philippines was conducted. Seven EPN populations from 279 soil samples were isolated using Ostrinia furnacalis, the key target insect pest of corn in the country, as bait. Analysis of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 ribosomal DNA sequence revealed the presence of Steinernema abbasi, Steinernema minutum , Steinernema tami , and Heterorhabditis indica . The pathogenicity of these EPN was tested in Ostrinia furnacalis , Spodoptera litura , and Helicoverpa armigera larvae under laboratory conditions. All the EPN isolates were pathogenic to the lepidopteran species with, H. indica PBCB and S. abbasi MBLB exhibiting the highest virulence (88%-99.33% and 90%-100% mortality, respectively) at 48 hr post infection (HPI) and thus, further studies were done on these two EPN. The highest penetration rate at 48 HPI was observed in H. armigera infected with S. abbasi MBLB (28.15%), while the lowest was in O. furnacalis infected with H. indica PBCB (14.25%). Nonetheless, based on LC 50 at 48 HPI, H. indica PBCB was most virulent to S. litura (8.89 IJ per larva), but not significantly different from O. furnacalis (10.52 IJ per larva). Steinernema abbasi MBLB was most virulent to O. furnacalis (10.98 IJ per larva), but not significantly different to S. litura (17.08 IJ per larva). LT 50 estimates showed that O. furnacalis was significantly the most susceptible to H. indica PBCB (21.90 hr) and S. abbasi (21.18 hr). Our results suggest that H. indica PBCB and S. abbasi MBLB are good candidates as biological control agents against these insect pests of corn. Moreover, O. furnacalis as alternative bait for EPN was discussed. To date, this is the most extensive research on Philippine EPN, comprised of wide sampling coverage, molecular identification and bioefficacy assays.

Rodenticide application strategies for intertidal rat habitats

Context Successful eradications of invasive rats from islands are paying tremendous conservation dividends, but failed eradications are economically and environmentally costly. For an eradication using rodenticides, every rat in every habitat must have sufficient exposure to toxic bait to receive a lethal dose. A post-operational review of a failed rat eradication on Wake Atoll, central Pacific Ocean, suggested that inadequate treatment of an intertidal habitat within the lagoon might have caused or contributed to the failure to kill all Polynesian rats (Rattus exulans), which have since recovered in number. This habitat could not be treated by aerial broadcast due to concerns about loss of bait to tidal action and perceived contamination of the marine environment. Aims In preparation for a second attempt, we developed two alternative bait application strategies to distribute enough bait for a long enough period of time to successfully target rats, while minimising bait entering the ocean. Methods We used camera traps and experimental bait provisioning methods to document rat foraging in the target habitat and uptake of bait. We developed two baiting strategy alternatives, and employed one of these strategies in a placebo bait application to demonstrate bait uptake by rats foraging within this tidally inundated habitat. Key results Our results show active foraging by rats in the target habitat. Provisioning of placebo bait by various means preventing bait spillage into the marine environment was followed by heavy feeding by rats and minimal bait interference by crabs. Conclusions We consider it likely that such a bait application strategy will be considered as an alternative during a future eradication attempt on Wake Atoll. Implications The techniques we explore here will be useful for rodent suppression in other wetland areas requiring rodent control while protecting sensitive aquatic resources.

A preliminary study on the potential use of an alternative bait for demersal longline fishery; Sepietta sp.

Bu çalışma Eylül 2007-Nisan 2008 tarihleri arasında deneysel amaçlı hazırlanmış bir paragat takımıyla Ege Denizi’nde gerçekleştirilmiştir. Geleneksel yemler olan Sardina pilchardus ve Solen vagina, Ege Denizi demersal trol avcılığında ıskarta edilen bir yem olan Sepietta sp. ile birlikte kullanılmıştır. Altı familyaya ait toplam 438 birey yakalanmış ve toplam ağırlıkları 43,1 kg olarak bulunmuştur. Yakalanan bireylerin yarısına yakın kısmı Sepietta sp. ile yakalanmıştır. Bununla beraber bu alternatif yem ile yakalanan bireyler toplam avın ağırlık olarak %45’ini oluşturmuşlardır. Sonuçlar Sepietta sp.’nin tüm yemler içinde en etkili yem olduğunu göstermiştir. Bu türün paragat balıkçılığında yem olarak kullanımının, trol avcılığından ıskarta edilen bir türün değerlendirilmesi açısından ayrı bir önemi bulunmaktadır

Safety and Immunogenicity of a Recombinant Rabies Virus Strain (ERAG3G) in Korean Raccoon Dogs

A new alternative rabies bait vaccine strain named ERAG3G, which is applicable to wild animals, was developed to eliminate rabies in South Korea. In this study, the safety and immunogenicity of the strain was evaluated in Korean raccoon dogs. The ERAG3G was propagated in BHK/T7-9 cells. Korean raccoon dogs were administered ERAG3G (1 ml, 10 8.0 FAID 50 /ml) orally or intramuscularly to evaluate its safety and immunogenicity. The raccoon dogs were observed for 70 days after administration, and immunogenicity was measured using a fluorescent antibody virus neutralization test. The ERAG3G strain was not pathogenic to Korean raccoon dogs immunized via the intramuscular or oral route. Raccoon dogs administered the candidate vaccine via the oral route developed high virus neutralizing antibody (VNA) titers ranging from 13.7 to 41.6 IU/ ml 70 days post administration. Raccoon dogs inoculated intramuscularly with the ERAG3G strain developed moderate VNA titers ranging from 0.5 to 13.7 IU/ ml. These findings suggest that the ERAG3G strain is safe and induces a protective immune response in raccoon dogs.

Laboratory comparison of American lobster, Homarus americanus, foraging responses to invasive green crab, Carcinus maenas, and two traditional finfish baits

The American Lobster (Homarus americanus) is trapped primarily with finfish baits that are becoming more costly and difficult to acquire as stocks dwindle. Thus, alternative bait options should be considered. We made video recordings of lobster foraging responses in the laboratory to compare the attractiveness of the invasive green crab (Carcinus maenas) bait, two traditional finfish baits and an inert control. Solitary lobsters approached and handled all three biological baits with similar latencies and spent similar time in contact with the biological baits. In contrast, lobsters took longer to approach and handle, and spent significantly less time in contact with control bait. As green crabs were statistically indistinguishable in attractiveness from traditional baits in our laboratory setting, we suggest field trials should test this alternate bait in circumstances more directly relevant to the fishery.

Towards more efficient longline fisheries: fish feeding behaviour, bait characteristics and development of alternative baits

Better knowledge of food search behaviour in fish is essential for studies that aim to improve longline fishing, particularly through bait development. This review provides an overview of our understanding of how fish detect and locate sources of food odour, focusing on the stimuli and sensory modalities involved, and on factors that affect feeding activity. Studies that identify feeding attractants and efforts to develop alternative longline baits are presented. The review reveals that such studies are few in number, and that to date there are no alternatives to traditional baits in commercial longlining despite the growing demand for these resources, which are also used for human consumption. The chemical compounds that elicit food search behaviour differ from species to species, and species selectivity could be improved by incorporating specific feeding attractants in manufactured baits. The unique properties of chemical stimuli and odour dispersal form the basis for improving longline efficiency through the development of a long-lasting bait. Vision is important in prey capture, and manufactured baits can be made more visible than natural baits by increasing the contrast (e.g. via fluorescent or polarising coatings) and creating motion through buoyancy. Physical properties such as size, shape, texture and strength can also be manipulated in a manufactured bait to improve catch efficiency. Knowledge obtained from studies of various aspects of food search behaviour is of paramount importance for future research aimed at alternative bait development and improving longline fishing.

Effects of Bait Type, Bait Age, and Trap Hours on Capture Success of Freshwater Turtles

We trapped freshwater turtles using hoop nets and 3 different bait types along a short section of Oyster Creek, Fort Bend County, TX. Using a model-selection approach, we tested the effectiveness of different baits on capture success, taking into consideration the length of time the bait was in the water, time of day, and the number of hours for the set (trap hours). We had significantly more success when we used dry dog food and dry cat food than traditional canned sardine bait. Bait age and time of day when traps were checked had no influence on capture success. Contrary to our expectations, the number of captures decreased throughout the study. Our results suggest that turtle researchers should consider using alternative bait types to maximize trap effort. However, there was a significant interaction between canned sardines and bait age for Trachemys scripta elegans (Red-eared Slider) captures, suggesting that canned sardines should be replaced often. In addition, more research is needed to test capture success when baits are older than one day.