Assessment of depredation level in Reunion Island pelagic longline fishery based on information from self-reporting data collection programme

Economic losses due to catch and gear damage have brought serious concerns to fishermen (Yano, Dahlheim, 1994; Nishida, Tanio, 2001; Donoghue et al., 2003; Rabearisoa, 2012) while harm to marine megafauna either through interactions with fishing gears or with fishermen who attempts to protect their catch (Gulland, 1986; Read, 2008) rises conservation issues. There is an obvious and urgent need for close monitoring of the depredation phenomenon, its quantification, incorporation into the fisheries management schemes and development of mitigation measures. Here we report preliminary results of depredation affecting the local longline fishery operated from Reunion Island, basing on information from self-reporting data collection programme.