All seven sea turtle species are threatened or endangered, and bycatch in fishing gear remains a primary cause of mortality. Turtle excluder devices and hook modifications significantly reduce incidental capture.
Sea turtle bycatch causes welfare harm through drowning — a prolonged, distressing death for air-breathing reptiles entangled in submerged gear. Turtles caught in trawl nets typically drown within 7-10 minutes if unable to surface; extended net soak times produce higher mortality. Even turtles that appear dead when retrieved may be recoverable through resuscitation. The welfare and conservation solution is technically well-developed: TEDs and circle hooks are effective, inexpensive, and widely required in better-managed fisheries. Implementation is the challenge. US TED regulations have improved outcomes but compliance monitoring is inadequate. International fisheries often have no TED requirements. Consumer pressure on seafood companies, government regulatory strengthening, and fisher training on resuscitation together represent the most effective multi-pronged response.