Interactions between breeding gulls and monofilament lines at one of the main recreational fishing sites in Argentina

Abstract

Monofilament fishing lines lost or discarded during recreational fishing activities often result in negative impacts on marine organisms. We assessed the interactions between Kelp and Olrog´s gulls (Larus dominicanus and L. atlanticus, respectively) and recreational fishing at Bahía San Blas, Argentina. Monofilament lines constituted 61 and 29 % of total debris items recorded along beaches in the low and high fishing seasons, respectively. A total of 61 balls of tangled lines were also found within Kelp and Olrog´s gull colonies. No Olrog´s Gulls but nine Kelp Gulls were found tangled with monofilament lines within colony boundaries, seven of which were caught in vegetation. No Kelp or Olrog´s gulls foraging in recreational fishing areas were observed tangled with lines. Monofilament lines did not negatively affect gull populations during the study period, but actions are needed to correctly manage their disposal given the relevance of Bahía San Blas as a recreational fishing area in the region.