An Approach Investigating the Origins of Derelict Fishhooks in A Recreational Coastal Argentinean Angling Setting

Abstract

Dimensions and shapes of fishing hooks - and their snoods- has been largely neglected from studies focused on abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) derived from angling activities in maritime areas of the globe, particularly in coastal northern Argentina. There, fieldwork was performed in a popular Argentinean coastal angling site placed within the World Reserve of Biosphere with the focus of better understanding the characteristics and the potential origin of fishhooks as an important component of ALDFG originated in recreational fishing activities. Almost 200 fishing hooks were retrieved in the context of a research and outreach conservation campaign conducted in an important recreational fishing location in south-eastern Buenos Aires province, in northern Argentine Patagonia. By applying an ensemble learning method for classification, assisted by information gathered from recreational fishermen, we were able to predict the source of overall single limerick hooks from unknown target species, estimating these fishhooks to comprise four fish-target species. These results have the potential of improving local management plans, by identifying which are the main fisheries contributing to ALDFG, hence allowing targeted campaigns to improve fishing practices.