Yemanyá–Agua y Conservación (2024)

Sea turtles in the Ecuador face multiple threats, including nest predation by dogs, habitat destruction due to infrastructure projects, and incidental capture by artisanal fishers. The overlap between the sea turtle nesting season and the mahi-mahi fishing season exacerbates this issue, leading to high bycatch rates. Fishers often resort to harmful practices, such as striking turtles to recover hooks, further endangering these vulnerable species. Conservation efforts by Yemanyá–Agua y Conservación address these challenges by promoting sustainable fishing practices and fostering positive behavioral changes among fishers to mitigate the impact on sea turtle populations.

To encourage turtle-friendly fishing practices, this project engages fishers through environmental education workshops, citizen science initiatives, and interactive tools such as art. By involving the fishing community in the conservation process, these initiatives aim to create long-term, sustainable practices that protect both sea turtles and local livelihoods.