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Marine Turtle Newsletter 45:13-15, © 1989

Working With Fishermen in the Northwest Atlantic

Jon Lien, Garry Stenson and Gregory Goff
Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland A1C 5S7 Canada

Leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) are occasionally sighted in cold water off Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. In late summer, when water temperatures are highest, the turtles are also reported entrapped in inshore fishing gear (Goff and Lien, 1988). It is difficult to estimate their numbers, or how often they are caught, because fishermen report incidental captures voluntarily. The number of reports received undoubtedly underestimates the actual number of turtles caught. From 2-5 captures are reported per annum and mortality is estimated above 50% (Goff and Lien, 1988).

Some turtles are found dead in the fishing gear (and others are killed to facilitate their removal from the nets), but often the turtles are found alive and can be released without risk to turtle or fishermen, and without excessive damage to gear. However, fishermen typically want to bring a live turtle to shore to "show it off" to neighbors and friends. Arrival of a live turtle is always an occasion of high excitement and interest at the wharf. Because of this interest, we did not attempt (prior to 1987) to dissuade fishermen from this practice. In an effort to discourage the killing of the turtle, insure its safe release, and maximize educational opportunities we frequently sent on-site observers/interpreters to the wharf to televise the event (Lien et al., 1985a).

Several things have caused us to abandon this informal program. The attention of observers and media prompted fishermen to exert special efforts to bring a captured turtle to the wharf. In 1986, an informal "contest" was initiated for capture of the largest animal! In addition, towing the turtle to shore was often a lengthy, stressful process which placed the animal at considerable risk. Then the turtle was tied to the wharf for hours or days; mortality was high. It was clear that the practice of bringing the turtle to the wharf for public display should be discontinued. An alternative strategy was necessary to insure humane treatment and wise conservation of this endangered species.

We wanted an approach that would encourage the safe release of the turtle, gratify the fisherman, and preserve the educational aspects of the event. To this end, we designed a program to:

1. build public awareness of the endangered leatherback turtle,
2. increase our knowledge of the animal, its biology, and the problem of incidental catch,
3. provide assistance to fishermen in releasing entrapped animals, and
4. develop a means to commend fishermen who released entrapped turtles.

We are preparing to distribute to fishermen's groups, fish plants and schools a poster describing the leatherback turtle and its biology in Newfoundland and Labrador waters. The poster also lists a toll-free, 24-hour telephone number for advice or assistance in releasing a turtle. Fishermen are encouraged to release the turtle at sea and to report the incident to us. In return, they are eligible for a "turtle tip award".

This award, presented to all fishermen who notify us that they have caught and released a turtle, consists of the following:

1. an announcement on "Fishermen's Broadcast", a local radio program for fishermen, of the fisherman's achievement,
2. a supply of posters and fact sheets for the fisherman to distribute in his community, and
3. a video showing entrapped leatherbacks, describing their safe release, and explaining the biology of the turtle.

We hope that this incentive will encourage the live release of animals from fishing gear. The program has been funded by World Wildlife Fund-Canada and should be fully implemented during the 1989 fishing season.

We have used similar posters to teach fishermen about cetaceans (Lien et al., 1985b). Widely distributed posters directed toward the specific educational requirements of fishermen have proved effective. To date, more than 500,000 of the cetacean posters have been distributed throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Copies of our "Leatherback Turtles in Newfoundland and Labrador" poster are available upon request.

Goff, G. P. and Lien, J. 1988. Atlantic leatherback turtles, Dermochelys coriacea, in cold waters off Newfoundland and Labrador. Can. Field-Nat. 102(1):1-5.

Lien, J., Walters, H. and Harvey-Clark, C. 1985a. Whale and shark entrapments in inshore fishing gear during 1985. Rept. Fisheries and Oceans Canada-Newfoundland Region.

Lien, J., Fawcett, L., Staniforth, S. 1985b. Teaching fishermen about whales: the role of education in conservation and fisheries management problems. pp.231-240 In: J. Lien and R. Graham (eds.), Marine Parks and Conservation, Volume I. National and Provincial Parks Association of Canada, Toronto.