Ultraviolet nets significantly reduce sea turtle bycatch

http://www.enn.com/wildlife/article/46669

Bycatch is the act of fishermen accidently catching an unwanted species and throwing it back in the sea, usually dead or close to death. Many species are significantly declining due to bycatch, particularly sea turtles. However, there is good news. It was discovered that leatherback and loggerhead sea turtles are sensitive to ultraviolet light, while many desired fish absorb the ultraviolet light and are not affected by the UV. Nets equipped with this new technology show that by catch has been slashed, with no effect on desired fish catch. It also turns out that the by catch of sea birds is also declining due to this new method. This technology would bring a great benefit tov populations decimated by climate change, overhunting and until recently bycatch.