Théo SANCHEZ

Five of the seven species of sea turtles found worldwide frequent 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 causes of sea turtle mortality in the French Antilles is accidental capture by certain fishing gear, particularly bottom-set gillnets. These accidental captures also have a negative impact on fishing professionals due to damage to their fishing equipment, reduced fishing yields (decreased catches of target species, time spent repairing equipment, etc.), and concerns related to unwanted interactions with these protected species.

Sea turtles are the focus of a National Action Plan in the French Antilles (PNATMAF, 2018-2027), which outlines actions to improve their conservation status. The RECAPTED project (Reduction of Accidental Catches for Efficient and Sustainable Fishing) is part of this initiative and addresses several objectives of the PNATMAF, particularly the goal of "supporting professionals in researching and implementing alternative fishing techniques."

This project aims to:

1. Reduce the impact of fishing on sea turtles by involving various coastal fishing communities in Martinique and Guadeloupe in developing innovative solutions to limit accidental captures.
2. Identify concrete proposals for experimenting with new fishing gear and practices.

Deployed in Guadeloupe and Martinique, the project is structured around four specific objectives:

• Establishing a long-term partnership with professional fishers.
• Proposing innovative fishing gear to reduce the impact of fishing on sea turtles and their habitat.
• Developing innovative fishing practices to decrease accidental sea turtle captures.
• Ensuring the long-term adoption of these practices across both territories.