Resumen

SANCHEZ ZAZUETA, J. G. et al. Sociocultural aspects of fishermen and their connection with sea turtles with in three natural protected areas in Sinaloa, Mexico. Revista bio ciencias [online]. 2019, vol.6, e530.  Epub 02-Oct-2020. ISSN 2007-3380.  https://doi.org/10.125741/revbio.06.530.

From time immemorial sea turtles have been used as a resource for the sustenance of human life. Thus, the decline of this group of animals is mostly caused by anthropogenic activities. Given that fishermen’s activities hold a greater connection to turtles, it is important to gain knowledge about their perception on these organisms. Furthermore, as bycatch is recognized as one of the main anthropogenic threats against sea turtles, it is necessary to assess the level of exploitation for these chelonials as a result of incidental fishing caused by specific fishing gears. This study describes the perception of fishermen over sea turtle populations in three protected natural areas of Sinaloa, Mexico: The Priority Marine Region Bahía de Santa María, the Sanctuary Playa Ceuta and the Flora and Fauna Protection Area Meseta de Cacaxtla. Fishermen from different communities were surveyed, with the aim of obtaining information on their knowledge and use of sea turtles. Surveys were processed for analysis with proportions and frequency tables, and non-parametric ANOVA tests were applied. Results show that Olive Ridley and Black turtle were the most commonly identified species by the surveyed individuals; roughly 27.3 % of fishermen have been devoted to the capture of these species. In addition, 75 % have included turtles as part of their diet. Sea turtles are mainly consumed for pleasure eating, especially during holy week and the fishing season. The fishing gear that mostly bycatch sea turtles is bottom net with 52 % compared to 0.35 % hook. Factors such as the location, age and socio-economic status of fishermen influence their general knowledge about sea turtles and impact on the way and degree of exploitation of them, in the three locations analyzed.

Palabras llave : Sea turtles; Natural Protected Areas; Fishermen; Bycatch; Poaching.

        · resumen en Español     · texto en Español | Inglés     · Español ( pdf ) | Inglés ( pdf )