Summary
Illuminated nets were tested to evaluate their effect on catch and bycatch in set nets, principally green (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead (Careta caretta) sea turtles, in northern Cyprus. Reductions in the catch of sea turtle and non-target sharks and rays were recorded with no effect on target catch. Data were collected from 130 field sets that occurred over a two-year period. Experimental effort should be expanded to better ascertain the relationship between the illuminated devices used and sea turtle bycatch reduction.