West Coast Groundfish Observer Program Manual, Part2 - NOAA

CHAPTER 7
“Injured” is an animal removed from the gear with
obvious physical injury or with gear attached.
• Killed Accidentally – The turtle died due to
injuries incurred during fishing operations, or was
returned to the sea while comatose.
• Escaped – The turtle left the gear or deck unaided
after capture or entanglement, with no apparent
injuries.
• Treated as Catch – The turtle was not previously
dead and was sacrificed for market, table or other
use.
• Other/Unknown – The final fate of the turtle
involved in the haul/set is unknown or whose
condition after leaving the gear or deck was
unobserved.
7. Look for tags and record all data from the tag. If the
turtle is dead, remove the tag.
8. Take one photo of the head and several additional
photos of different angles of the whole turtle showing
the costal and vertebral scutes.
9. Record all data on the Sea Turtle Life History Form.
7-42 1/30/2004