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LIFE TARTALIFE

Reducing sea turtle mortality in commercial fisheries

The project involved 15 Italian regions in the Mediterranean and aimed to reduce sea turtle mortality through two main actions:

  • Promote the use of circle hooks, turtle excluder devices (TEDs), and other devices that allow captured sea turtles to escape to reduce turtle by-catch resulting from the use of longlines, bottom trawls, and static nets. These methods are less harmful to fish and help to preserve marine biodiversity.
  • Reduce post-harvest turtle deaths, fishermen should be trained and made aware of the issue. Additionally, sea turtle rescue and first aid facilities should be improved.

Main expected results:

  • Use of 18 circle hooks by 250 boats and 1,500 fishermen and training on the use of the same to 500-700 fishermen.
  • Use of 10 new TEDs by 38 vessels and 200 fishermen, and training on their use to 300-450 fishermen.
  • Training 500-750 fishermen to reduce post-harvest sea turtle deaths.
  • Strengthening of seven sea turtle rescue centers and 15 first aid points.
  • Establishment of eight information points and 15 contact points to help fishermen apply for funds to replace traditional fishing gear with low-impact equipment.
More information
LIFE TARTALIFE

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