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Sea turtles are threatened worldwide due to egg harvesting, pollution and habitat loss; however, accidental bycatch, direct take and poaching have been identified as the primary threats to most sea turtle species. This is of particular concern where small-scale fisheries operate and fishers who come in close contact with sea turtles face common obstacles in protecting sea turtle populations while ensuring their artisanal livelihoods and providing for their families and communities. The future of sea turtles residing in these regions lies in the hands of local fishermen.

The Grupo Tortuguero was formed in 1999 as a network of fishermen and local community members dedicated to saving the sea turtles of the Baja California peninsula. Adhering to the GT model, fishermen in Baja California are becoming involved in wildlife conservation, research and ecotourism and are slowly abandoning long-time traditions such as hunting sea turtles. Today, entire fishing communities on the peninsula have become leading examples of conservation.

The GT network brings this unique conservation model to Cuba in order to engage fishermen from the Yucatan and Isla de Juventud in protecting local sea turtle populations. The exchange was intended as a forum in which not only the Grupo Tortuguero model would serve as an instrument for Cuban fishermen, but for Baja fishermen to learn from the experiences of Cuban fishermen. This unique informational exchange between fishermen of different nationalities is an extension of two prior Fisher’s Exchanges coordinated by Pro Peninsula. The exchange involved a four day experience discussing fishing methods, incidental capture, and the role of sea turtles in different cultures. Few interactions provide such an intimate and informative exchange of information between direct resource users. The exchange featured visits by the Mexican fishermen to Cuban bonito, lobster, and snapper fishing vessels. Each visit was characterized by immediate friendship and humility. While on board, the fishermen discussed a variety of topics ranging from what type of nets were used to fish lobster to how often sea turtles were caught incidentally.

Julio Solis, a fisherman from Bahia de Magdalena, Baja California Sur stated: “The Cubans we met represent a beautiful fishing culture from which I learned a great deal. Their method of low-impact fishing is something we should learn about in Mexico. However, these Cuban fishermen must protect their resources and livelihoods particularly in the face of increasing tourism in Cuba.”

Subsequently, scientists and conservationists also learned from the experience of residing with the fishermen for a week. Their roles were reversed in a follow-up workshop, wherein professional scientists learned new methods from the fishermen. These educational exchanges will foster the development of a powerful grassroots conservation tool, which will ultimately serve as a resource for coastal communities around the world.

This exchange has opened the door for future collaborative work between fishers and conservationists from all three countries, and delegates left the meeting committed to continuing their trinational efforts. A visit by Cuban fishers to the peninsula of Baja California, Mexico has been planned for the summer of 2009 to participate in a series of sea turtle festivals that will take place along the Pacific coast of the peninsula. Information gained through participating in these festivals will be used to plan similar festivals in Cuba and the Yucatan peninsula as a means to promote community participation in sea turtle conservation. Additionally, representatives from all three nations have committed to actively working at the international and local levels to ensure that fishing communities strive to achieve a low level of resource depletion while increasing their appreciation for the role that sea turtles play in the lives of coastal residents.

For more information, contact Giuliana Schroeder, Pro Peninsula’s Communications and Marketing Manager at gigi@propeninsula.org or call 619-574-664.