The Luck of the Loggerheads

A new limit on longlines is a lucky break for loggerheads.

Longlines, according to the New York Times, are "miles of metal cable strung with thousands of baited hooks, which fishermen deploy along the ocean bottom, including on coral reefs and rocky 'hardbottoms' where red and black grouper forage." The problem with longlines: They create lethal hazards for loggerhead turtles, which are often caught and drowned as they forage along with the grouper.

To lessen the threat to the sea turtles, a federal panel has voted to limit the use of longlines, thus increasing the odds for loggerheads.

The new limit won't save all the sea turtles — nor will it satisfy all the concerns of the fishermen. In fact, all the stakeholders can claim both victory and defeat. That's because about half the boats now permitted to use longlines may continue to do so — and they're allowed to fish in about half the areas once available.

Meanwhile, all fishermen are allowed to use vertical lines for fishing in all legal waters. While they may still catch turtles on the vertical lines by accident, the lines are hauled up often enough to prevent drowning.

It's not the perfect solution for anyone. But according to the New York Times, the compromise is a sign that both sides are moving closer to compromise. In the long run, it's a step in the right direction.

Photo courtesy of NOAA