Zoology in the Middle East · 1998 · 45 citations · 6 references
Natural ResourcesFisheriesMarine SciencesMarine EcologyMarine FisheriesMarine ZoologyFisheries EcologyMarine Fisheries ConservationMarine HerpetologyMarine Wildlife ManagementSea Turtle ConservationArtisanal Reef FisheriesCrustacean Fisheries BiologyMarine Reptile Population EcologyMarine Reptile Threat AssessmentMarine Turtle ConservationSea Turtle BiologySea Turtle EcologySea Turtle Population Dynamics
Abstract A survey of the levels of marine turtle bycatch in the small-boat based fisheries in northern Cyprus and the Turkish Mediterranean (Alanya to Mersin) was undertaken by questioning a sample of fishermen (n = 54) in all harbours in the survey region. Fishermen in Turkey caught an estimated 2.5 turtles/boat/year versus an estimated 4.0 turtles/boat/year in Cyprus. This yielded a likely minimum bycatch estimate of over 2,000 marine turtles per year in the region. An estimated 10% of turtles were thought to be dead at the point of capture. Turtles were caught in both nets and on long-lines and were perceived as detrimental to the livelihood of fishermen either by damaging nets, spoiling catch or removing bait. Although few fishermen admitted to deliberately killing turtles, a larger proportion thought others did so. Given the likelihood that a proportion of sea turtles caught will be Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas), and due to the highly endangered status of this species in this region, interaction with these fisheries is thought to constitute a real threat to marine turtles in the eastern Mediterranean.
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