Collaborative work with fishers: a fundamental tool for sea turtle conservation in Argentina

JONES, S.; PROSDOCIMI, L.; VERA, D.G.; ROLÓN, M.C.J.; WILLIAMS, J.D.

Cartagena

Simposio; 41th International Sea Turtle Symposium; 2023

Fisheries are the main anthropogenic influence on marine systems, affecting animals and their role in ecosystems (Jackson et al., 2001). The expansion of this activity in coastal areas has contributed to the decline of sea turtle populations worldwide, and is currently considered the greatest threat to these reptiles (Franchini et al., 2021). The Argentine continental shelf is characterized by coastal frontal zones of high biological productivity (Guerrero et al., 2010). It has been identified as a key ecological area both for the development and feeding of three species of sea turtles (Caretta caretta, Chelonia mydas and Dermochelys coriacea), and for the development of different fishing stocks. Although there are reports of sea turtles caught incidentally in various fishing gear (Albareda et al., 2007; González Carman et al., 2011), and areas highly susceptible to capture by commercial fleets have been identified (Prosdocimi et al. ., 2020), to date there is no quantification of it and its associated mortality. Determining the magnitude of this potential problem turns out to be a great challenge in the region since the interactions occur in coastal vessels without observers on board. Cooperative work between researchers, fishermen, and government entities is essential for the generation of knowledge and the development of mitigation measures in the future. The objective of this work is to promote the participation of the fishing sector in the conservation of sea turtles, train them in the identification of species, and involve them in the joint development of collaborative solutions for the management of sea turtles on board. Between October 2021 and June 2022, an awareness campaign was carried out in important fishing sites in the province of Buenos Aires: General Lavalle, San Clemente del Tuyú, Partido de la Costa, Mar del Plata, and Bahía Blanca. This campaign included (1) design and dissemination of species identification sheets to be carried on board the vessels, and crew training at the time of delivery; (2) design and dissemination of educational posters on sea turtles at key sites; (3) delivery of the graphic material to important actors in the fishing sector, and the request for their support for its dissemination through their media; (5) educational workshops to address the problems associated with the activity and management of sea turtles on board; (6) design of sheets of good management practices with turtles on board. The graphic material was widely accepted by the crew, which was reflected when observing the tabs posted on their boats, and in the willingness to join conservation actions. The educational posters were placed in port facilities, headquarters of the Argentine Naval Prefecture, and the Mar del Plata National Fishing School. The graphic material was delivered to the offices of the Fisheries inspectors of the province of Buenos Aires and Pesca Nación. The species identification sheet was made public on the website of the Mar del Plata National Fisheries School to facilitate access for students, and on the official website of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of the Nation to favor the compliance with SAGYP Resolution 92/2021, which consists of reporting incidental catches of marine fauna in fishing reports. A total of five workshops were held, attended by people from the fishing sector (captains, sailors, port and government authorities). All the activities have been a good place to talk with the fishermen, and it has been possible to gather information that would not have been possible without their support. This allowed us to know the current actions with sea turtles on board, making it possible to identify, prioritize and start working on those practices that need to be modified to increase the survival of the animals. With this knowledge, the sheet of good management practices with turtles on board was designed, which includes the correct way to proceed in the event of an incidental capture, the actions that should be avoided and the reason why they should be avoided. They will be distributed during 2023 to be taken on board together with the species identification sheet. We believe it is important to continue promoting collaborative work with fishermen accompanied by training, given that it turns out to be a fundamental tool for the conservation of sea turtles in our country, which allows not only expanding knowledge about a potential problem in the region, but also promotes attitudes favorable to conservation actions on marine fauna.