Principia Naturae A.C. (2024)

Mexiquillo Beach in Michoacán, Mexico was once one of the largest nesting sites for East Pacific leatherbacks, but since the 1980s, the population has drastically decreased due to bycatch, pollution, and direct take. Bycatch is the primary threat to the survival of these leatherbacks, making it crucial to collaborate with fishers to evaluate and mitigate its impact. Recent assessments by Project MarEs Comunidad indicate that fishing activities near Mexiquillo, particularly in the Lázaro Cárdenas port area and Caleta de Campos Bay, contribute significantly to the mortality of nesting females.

To address this issue, Principia Naturae A.C. is conducting educational and training workshops for fishing cooperatives along the Michoacán coast, particularly in Lázaro Cárdenas. Fishers from key areas near nesting beaches, including Nexpa, Boca Seca, Caleta de Campos, Las Peñas, and Pichilinguillo, will receive information on the impact of incidental sea turtle capture. Training will focus on proper handling techniques for leatherbacks caught in different fishing gear, from gillnets to longlines, aiming to reduce mortality rates and promote sustainable fishing practices that support the conservation of this endangered species.