Fisher-based assessments of sea turtle bycatch in small-scale fisheries in Pacific Mexico

Reducing bycatch of sea turtles and other protected species in artisanal fisheries depends on first understanding where, how, and to what extent bycatch is occurring. We implemented rapid bycatch assessments (RBAs)—i.e. port-based surveys with fishers—along the Pacific coast of Mexico and combined results with those from a previous RBA effort. Results obtained from 1357 respondents across 99 communities in 11 states provided valuable insights about fishing gear and operations as well as bycatch of 5 different sea turtle species. Fishing gears varied geographically, but gillnets, followed by hook and line gears, were most commonly used. Species-specific and seasonal patterns of sea turtle bycatch also varied geographically, with olive ridleys Lepidochelys olivacea, followed by green turtles Chelonia mydas, being the most commonly reported bycatch species, especially in known feeding and breeding areas and periods. Loggerhead Caretta caretta bycatch was reported only in northwest Mexico, an area known to support foraging and developmental areas for juvenile and subadult North Pacific loggerheads. Leatherback Dermochelys coriacea bycatch was most frequently reported in the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez), a documented feeding area, and southern Mexico, off nesting beaches. Most respondents indicated that turtles captured incidentally were released alive, but mortality, as well as consumption and sale, were also reported fates of bycaught turtles. Our results provide a robust baseline of valuable information about characteristics of small-scale fishing and turtle bycatch in Pacific Mexico and highlight ample opportunities for informing strategies to promote sustainable fishing and bycatch reduction.