Nicolas MOULANIER
Five of the seven species of sea turtles found worldwide inhabit the waters of the French Antilles, three of which are globally endangered: the hawksbill turtle (“critically endangered,” CR), the green turtle (“endangered,” EN), and the leatherback turtle (“vulnerable,” VU). One of the leading causes of sea turtle mortality in the French Antilles is accidental capture in certain fishing gear, particularly bottom-set gillnets. These accidental captures also negatively affect fishing professionals by damaging their gear, reducing their fishing yields (lower target species catches, time spent repairing gear, etc.), and creating concerns over unintended interactions with these protected species.
A National Action Plan for Sea Turtles in the French Antilles (PNATMAF, 2018–2027) outlines the actions needed to improve their conservation status. The RECAPTED project (Reducing Accidental Captures for Efficient and Sustainable Fishing) aligns with this plan and addresses several of its objectives, particularly the goal of "supporting professionals in the search for and implementation of alternative fishing techniques." Initiated in October 2024, the project is funded by the Green Fund (DEAL Martinique and DEAL Guadeloupe) and led by the CNRS.
The RECAPTED project aims to:
- Reduce the impact of fishing on sea turtles by involving coastal fishing communities in Martinique and Guadeloupe in the development of innovative solutions to minimize accidental captures.
- Generate concrete proposals for experimental fishing gear and practices
Implemented across the territories of Guadeloupe and Martinique, the project focuses on four specific objectives:
- Establishing a sustainable partnership with professional fishers.
- Proposing innovative fishing gear to reduce the impact of fishing on sea turtles and their habitats.
- Suggesting innovative fishing practices to decrease the incidence of accidental sea turtle captures.
- Ensuring the long-term adoption of these practices across both territories.