Assessment of incidental catch of sea turtles in relation to the fishing practice in Indonesia

Abstract

This review provides information on the incidental catch of sea turtles in fishing activities in Indonesian waters. There are a few works related to the interaction between sea turtles and fisheries that were done in 2005 to 2006. The data and information available concerns the status of catching of sea turtles as by-catch in tuna longline and shrimp trawl fisheries. Based on the data gathered through an interview approach and observation on board of commercial fishing fleets, it is shown that a number of sea turtles are caught by these fisheries activities. Finally, almost all turtles caught are finally released back directly to the sea by the fishermen for some reasons such as protection by law, non target fishing, prohibition, and pity. Due to some weaknesses and limitations of previous work, it is necessary to determine a comprehensive program related to the conservation of sea turtles and diminution of the incidental catch of sea turtles by fishing activities.