Spatially explicit risk assessment of marine megafauna vulnerability to Indian Ocean tuna fisheries

By-catch is the most significant direct threat marine megafauna face at global scale. However, magnitude and spatial patterns of by-catch are still poorly understood, especially in regions with very limited monitoring expanding fisheries. The Indian Ocean a globally important region for biodiversity tuna fisheries, but has data. Anecdotal scattered information indicates high could be major threat. Here, we adapt Productivity Susceptibility Analysis tool designed data-poor contexts to present first spatially explicit estimates risk sea turtles, elasmobranchs, cetaceans three fishing gears (purse seines, longlines, drift gill nets). Our assessment highlights potential opportunity multi-taxa conservation benefits by concentrating management efforts particular coastal regions. Most waters northern Ocean, including countries that have had minimal engagement regional bodies, stand out as fisheries interactions. In addition species known occur gears, find vulnerability multiple gear types many elasmobranchs do not fall under any existing measures. results indicate current mitigation measures, which focus on safe-release practices, unlikely adequately reduce substantial cumulative impacts vulnerable species. Preventative solutions interactions non-target (such closed areas or seasons, modifications tactics) crucial alleviating risks from