Interactions Between Leatherback Turtles and Peruvian Artisanal Fisheries

Abstract

From 1985 to 1999, data were gathered opportunistically on the bycatch of 33 leatherback turtles in coastal Peru, and from 2000 to 2003, a dockside observer program provided data on an additional 133 leatherbacks caught in the coastal gillnet and longline fisheries targeting mahi mahi, sharks, and rays. These data stress the need for programs to monitor bycatch in artisanal fisheries, enforce regulations prohibiting sea turtle capture, and increase the environmental awareness of fishermen.