For a healthy ecosystem for sea turtles in Peru

The situation of sea turtles in Peru has been of concern for several years. Seven species coexist in the world's seas, and we only find five of them on the coasts of our country, according to the National Forestry and Wildlife Service (Serfor).

The fishing industry is a cause of this danger to the species. However, thanks to non-governmental organizations such as WWF and other local organizations in Peru, willing to help with this problem, fisheries are becoming aware of the need to mitigate bycatch during fishing.

The five species of sea turtles in our country play an essential role in the marine ecosystem. Their disappearance would cause severe problems in the economy, directly affecting fishing and tourism along the coast.

Healthy ecosystems

Due to the serious problem, we have been working together with WWF-Peru to find a solution and reduce the turtle population's risks in our Peruvian sea.

Within the Peru Mahi Alliance action plan framework, the companies in the fishing sector are committed to reducing the mortality of this marine species. For this reason, different activities and workshops are being carried out for workers and fishing communities, including:

• Mahi-mahi processing companies will organize and participate in at least one training workshop on good fishing practices with their supplying vessels' staff, with support from WWF.
• Equipment for proper and adequate sea turtles releaseto a significant percentage of the vessels they work with.
• By April 2021, it is expected that at least 10% of the vessels equipped and trained in the correct release of sea turtles and their documentation through videos will be monitored.

Thanks to the work and efforts between NGOs and private companies, we hope to contribute to the reduction of sea turtle bycatch through the training of our fishermen and staff, thus achieving their proper release and sustainable fishing, which helps the conservation of turtles and all marine species living in our seas.