Yucatán Fishing Gear Hurts Turtles and Dolphins

Yucatán, Mexico — Members of groups dedicated to rescuing turtles have expressed fear regarding the use of nets and other fishing gear that can negatively impact sea turtles and dolphins along the Yucatán coast. They indicated that it is possible that in the coming weeks, strandings of these marine animals could begin to be recorded due to this situation.

According to Raquel Canul, a volunteer with the group Corazones Unidos from the port of Progreso, which works together with Cetmar 17 on the rescue and care of sea turtles, there is fear among the group's members about the use of fishing nets, as the animals can be injured by them or even die entangled.

Marine biologist Juan Lara Rodríguez stated that in Yucatán, more studies are needed to determine during which seasons and under what conditions this commercial sector most significantly affects both dolphins and turtles.

The specialist in jellyfish and turtles indicated that monitoring the use of nets is of vital importance to help reduce the deaths of dolphins and turtles from entanglements. However, he also stated that it is necessary for fishermen to take initial actions on the matter, such as periodically checking their materials at intervals of at least 20 minutes, and taking actions to disentangle these species that are not violent, in order to avoid injuries that could later cost the animals their lives.

He pointed out that the fishing sector urgently needs regulation, but that this must be carried out considering the interests of the fishermen. That is, the sector itself should be able to determine and become aware of its activity, so that it can be sustainable and profitable for a longer time.

He expressed that it is the work of authorities and researchers to provide as much data as possible to society to understand the real conditions of marine species in the state, so that appropriate decisions can be made based on that information.