Fibreglass sharks might help to scare endangered turtles away from long-lines and prevent them from getting hooked, says the UN Environment Program.
According to the Environment News Network, the UNEP says that many sea turtle populations are declining precipitously. Many turtles die when they become hooked on commercial long-lines designed to catch fish.
They recommend that fibreglass sharks be placed near the fishing lines to deter turtles from swimming near them, and have also suggested that they try using coloured dyes and acoustic signals to scare off turtles.
The UNEP says that long-liners should switch to fishing deeper and start using G-shaped hooks, rather than the usual J-shaped ones, as G-shaped ones are harder for turtles to swallow.