Sea Turtle Bycatch Reduction in Global Fisheries

Sea turtles are frequently caught as bycatch in longline, trawl and net fisheries worldwide. Bycatch reduction devices and fishing practices can dramatically reduce mortality.

Key Facts

All seven species of sea turtle are threatened or endangered
Longline fisheries are estimated to hook 200,000+ sea turtles annually
Turtle excluder devices in shrimp trawls reduce turtle bycatch by over 95%
Circle hooks and mackerel bait instead of squid reduce loggerhead bycatch significantly
Sea turtle bycatch from high-seas drift nets is poorly monitored and managed

Welfare Considerations

Turtles caught on longline hooks suffer from hook ingestion, entanglement, drowning and physical trauma from hauling. Those brought to the surface from depth face pressure-related injuries including pulmonary haemorrhage. Even turtles released alive may die from sub-lethal injuries including hook ingestion and cold-shock. Mandatory bycatch reduction is proven and technically achievable. Observer programmes and electronic monitoring improve accountability where compliance has historically been poor.

What You Can Do

Choose seafood with MSC certification or from fisheries verified for low turtle bycatch
Support Marine Stewardship Council and Oceana campaigns for stronger bycatch standards
Report sea turtle bycatch to national fisheries authorities if observed
Advocate for mandatory turtle excluder devices and circle hooks in relevant fisheries
Avoid purchasing sea turtle products including shells and jewellery