Addressing the Problem of Scale in Conservation

Abstract

tive to the more traditional J-hook. The circle hook’s more rounded shape was designed to decrease the unwanted bycatch of threatened or endangered species (mostly sea turtles) while maintaining or improving species targeted for commercial, recreational, and artisanal fishing (Read, 2007). Conservation groups lauded and promoted the circle hook for enabling fishermen to maintain their income while meeting conservation goals, yet nearly two decades after its introduction, it has not gone to scale.