Effects of the SMART Hook™ (Selective Magnetic and Repellent-Treated Hook) and Semiochemical Shark Repellents on Spiny Dogfish Catch in the Gulf of Maine

The spiny dogfish, Squalus acanthias, is a small viviparous squaloid shark with a global distribution.  S. acanthias is viewed as a nuisance species due to their high abundance in the western Atlantic, in addition to their seemingly overwhelming presence in a variety of commercial fishing gears.  This project aims to examine the elasmobranch, more specifically spiny dogfish, bycatch reduction capabilities of SMART hooks and semiochemical treated hooks on tub trawls within the Gulf of Maine. The research includes three objectives:  (1) Preliminary laboratory analysis examining the effects of these repellents on S. acanthias, (2) Field trials in collaboration with commercial fishermen to separately test the effects of the SMART hook and semiochemical treated hooks on elasmobranch capture on tub trawls, and (3) Determine if variables such as level of satiation, ampullary canal length, animal density, or turbidity are potential indicators of repellent success.  This research utilizes preliminary evidence which illustrates the elasmobranch-selectivity of both the SMART hook and semiochemical shark repellents.  With the results from this study, the utility of these potential bycatch reduction devices will be assessed for other commercial and recreational fisheries uses.