A systematic review protocol for quantifying bycatch of critically endangered leatherback sea turtles within the Pacific Ocean basin.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The Pacific Ocean supports two leatherback sea turtle populations, each of which is Critically Endangered primarily as a result of ongoing incidental bycatch within small-scale and industrial fisheries. Conservation planning has included population viability analysis (PVA), which depends on accurate data on mortality and morbidity (sublethal effects) rates to yield realistic results that can inform management decision-making. Existing leatherback PVAs are based on best available data, however, estimates of mortality and morbidity rates are heavily influenced by estimates of bycatch. These, in turn, are based on unknown levels of observer coverage in many fisheries, estimated to be less than 1% coverage in some artisanal and industrial fleets. Leatherback population recov

SUBMITTER: Ortega AA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11605985 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature