Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) turtles are two of the five sea turtle species present in the Eastern Pacific. Both species are endangered for several reasons, with bycatch in artisanal fisheries as a primary threat.
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Bycatch refers to the incidental hooking or entanglement of non-target species such as sea turtles, marine mammals, and seabirds in commercial and artisanal fishing gear. These animals are often discarded because they are legally protected and thus cannot be used for food or commercial purposes.
Bycatch is one of the most severe threats to sea turtle populations.
Artisanal or small-scale fishers and fisheries use smaller open-skiff boats and primarily operate within a day's boat drive from the coast. These fisheries employ different gear types that target species consumed locally and mainly distributed to domestic markets.
