Species Composition, distribution, Catch rates and Economic Consequences of Sea turtle-fishery interactions in Artisanal fisheries in Nigeria

Small-scale fisheries in the tropical countries represent the main livelihood and protein source for a substantial portion of the global population. In Nigeria, small-scale fisheries provide over three-quarter (81.9%) of the... [ view full abstract ]

Small-scale fisheries in the tropical countries represent the main livelihood and protein source for a substantial portion of the global population. In Nigeria, small-scale fisheries provide over three-quarter (81.9%) of the seafood consumed and employ over 1.66 million fishers. Growing pressures on marine resources have left many fishing communities faced with declining catches and increased environmental degradation. Quantitative information with respect to number of bycatch animals and impact on in artisanal fisheries is limited. However, it is clear that several fisheries incidentally catch marine mammals in the country, most notably gillnets catching. Mitigation measures are inexistent (except industrial fisheries) particularly efforts to reduce the use of these gears. It is now critical to quantify the extent of bycatch in gear and its impact on local marine mammal populations and to implement relevant and effective mitigation measures.

  The study implemented and evaluated a revised study protocol for estimating protected living marine resources (PLMR) bycatch, based on lessons learned and recommendations summarized by Moore et al (accepted), particularly examining sea turtle-fishery interactions and determining the species composition by gear types, catches rates, and economic consequences to sea turtle issues in 31 fishing Coastal communities in Nigeria. The geographical area was chosen due to historical significance of the coastal fisheries resources to fishing and sea turtle nesting. Five out of the seven turtle species can be found in Nigeria, namely, olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), green (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and loggerhead (Caretta caretta). The olive ridley is the most extensively distributed in Nigeria. Study shows that incidental captures of sea turtles in fishing gear contribute significantly to the mortality of the animals. Major threat that affect the viability of the species include egg and turtle harvesting, illegal hunting in the absence of low fish catch, loss of nesting and exposure to coastal gill nets. Perception of locals to sea turtles varied from communities to communities; however turtle meat is considered tasty. There is need for by-catch awareness campaign of local fishers and other citizens are working to eliminate bycatch globally including eliminating obnoxious fishing.