Changes in hook design and bait type were investigated as measures to reduce the bycatch of sea turtles on pelagic longlines in the western North Atlantic Ocean. Specifically, the effectiveness of 18/0 circle hooks and mackerel (Scomber scombrus) bait was evaluated with respect to reducing sea turtle interactions and maintaining swordfish (Xiphias gladius) and tuna (Thunnus spp.) catch rates. Individually, circle hooks and mackerel bait significantly reduced both loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) sea turtle bycatch. Circle hooks also significantly reduced the rate of hook ingestion by the loggerheads, potentially reducing postrelease mortality. The combination of circle hooks and mackerel bait was even more effective for loggerhead turtles and had no negative effect on swordfish catch. These modifications in fishing methods, in conjunction with tools developed to remove hooks and line from the turtles, significantly reduced the capture rate of sea turtles and potentially the post-hooking mortality of those that were caught and did not negatively impact the primary target species catch rate. In addition, these mitigation measures have the potential to reduce mortality of sea turtles and other bycatch species worldwide.

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Background: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a devastating genetic disorder caused by low levels of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein.Results: Ubiquitin-specific protease 9x (Usp9x) interacts with, deubiquitinates, and stabilizes SMN. Conclusion: Usp9x likely deubiquitinates SMN to protect it from Ub-dependent degradation. Significance: Usp9x is a key mediator that regulates the protein levels of SMN and the SMN complex.

We conducted a meta‐analysis of literature reporting on the use of circle hooks and J‐hooks in pelagic longline fisheries. Our study included more data than previous meta‐analyses of the effects of hook type, due to both a larger number of relevant studies available in recent years and a more general modelling approach. Data from 42 empirical studies were analysed using a random effects model to compare the effects of circle hooks and J‐hooks on catch rate (43 species) and at‐vessel mortality (31 species) of target and bycatch species. Catch rates with circle hooks were greater for 11 species, including four tuna species, six shark species and one Istiophorid billfish. Catch rates on circle hooks were lower for seven species, including two Istiophorid billfishes and two species of sea turtle. At‐vessel mortality was significantly lower with circle hooks in 12 species, including three tuna species, three Istiophorid billfishes, swordfish (Xiphias gladius) and three shark species. No species had significantly greater at‐vessel mortality when captured with a circle hook rather than a J‐hook. While our general approach increased model variability compared to more detailed studies, results were consistent with trends identified in previous studies that compared the catch rates and at‐vessel mortality (between hook types) for a number of species. Our results suggest that circle hooks can be a promising tool to reduce mortality of some bycatch species in pelagic longline fisheries, although the effects depend on the species and the metric (catch rate or at‐vessel mortality), emphasizing the need for fishery‐specific data in conservation and management decisions.