Peru Trains Thousands of Fishers to Rescue Sea Turtles Caught in Fishing Hooks
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📰 The quick summary: Peru has trained over 4,400 fishers in best practices for releasing sea turtles caught as bycatch, improving animal survival rates and fisher safety.
📈 One key stat: 4,472 Peruvian fishers have been trained in bycatch release techniques, representing about one trained crew member per mahi-mahi fishing boat in the region.
💬 One key quote: “If it weren’t for the turtles, there would be no balance. Everything is in a chain,” says Gustavo Rosales, a fisher from the city of Ilo.
1️⃣ The big picture: Peru has implemented a comprehensive training program teaching fishers how to safely release sea turtles caught on hooks meant for mahi-mahi. The initiative began in 2022 following new regulations requiring at least one trained crew member per fishing boat. Fishers now use specialized equipment like nets, shears, and pliers to safely bring turtles aboard, remove hooks, and release them without injury. The program addresses both conservation needs and fisher safety, as untrained handling of turtles previously led to injuries when turtles defended themselves.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: Sea turtles now have a better chance of survival when accidentally caught by fishing gear off Peru’s coast. The training has successfully changed handling practices, with fishers now removing harmful hooks and even cleaning shells of parasitic mollusks before release. Specialized tools have reduced injuries to both turtles and humans during the rescue process. The program has fostered greater environmental awareness among the fishing community, with fishers like Gustavo Rosales recognizing the ecological importance of sea turtles and taking pride in their release. The government aims to expand training to reach 10,000 fishers total.
3️⃣ What’s next: Officials plan to continue workshops until they’ve trained 10,000 fishers, more than doubling the current number. Additional training focusing on awareness through videos could help fishers understand the consequences of resource depletion. The government might consider increasing support for small-scale fisheries to promote sustainable practices beyond turtle conservation.
Read the full story here: Mongabay – Peru’s new bycatch training aims to help save hooked sea turtles: Q&A with fisher Gustavo Rosales
