An analysis of the marine wildlife interactions with the commercial shrimping industry on the Alabama Gulf Coast

Human-wildlife conflicts in commercial fisheries can affect both marine wildlife populations and fishery livelihoods. This study examines interactions between commercial shrimpers and two federally protected species in the U.S. state of Alabama: bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus ) and sea turtles ( Chelonia mydas , Caretta caretta , Lepidochelys kempii ). Using semi-structured interviews with 14 shrimpers, we identified two main conflict types with dolphins: depredation, where dolphins remove target shrimp or fish from actively hauled nets, and scavenging, where dolphins consume discarded bycatch. Respondents reported that depredation causes direct economic losses and gear damage, while scavenging can slow operations and condition dolphins to associate boats with food, potentially increasing future depredation. These behaviors were perceived as increasing in frequency and intensity, suggesting shifts in dolphin foraging behavior due to human activity. In contrast, human-wildlife conflict with sea turtles was rare, reflecting widespread adoption of turtle excluder devices (TEDs). While TEDs are largely effective at reducing turtle bycatch, respondents noted that debris accumulation and incidental loss of target catch can create additional scavenging opportunities for dolphins, illustrating the need to consider multi-species management. Opinions among shrimpers about TEDs’ efficacy and economic impacts were mixed, highlighting ongoing challenges in balancing conservation and industry needs. This research emphasizes the value of participatory, qualitative approaches: interviews were co-designed with state and federal managers to capture shrimpers’ local ecological knowledge, providing actionable insights for species recovery and post-Deepwater Horizon ecosystem restoration. Findings underscore the importance of adaptive, ecosystem-based management, technological innovation in fishing gear, and stakeholder engagement to reduce conflicts, maintain fishery productivity, and support marine wildlife conservation. Lessons from Alabama’s shrimp fishery offer broader implications for other coastal regions where multi-species interactions influence both management outcomes and human livelihoods.