Abstract: In North Perú, five species of endangered sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea, Eretmochelys imbricata, Chelonia mydas, Caretta caretta and Lepidochelys olivacea) are scarcely protected. They are frequently caught in bycatch and seen as beachings. Lack of conservation initiatives for these species is greatly due to insufficient information on sea turtle and fishery interactions. In order to introduce these conservation initiatives, this project proposes research on: trawler and purse seine impacts on sea turtles, sea turtle beaching, and the relationship between fishing activities and sea turtle beaching in northern Peru.

Methods will include volunteer training, on-board observation, coastal monitoring and tissue collection. Results will contribute to: elaborate a National Sea Turtle Conservation and Management Plan, start with sea turtle conservation initiatives in North Peru and encourage further sea turtle research. The project will also aid in Pacific sea turtle identification and tissue collection, and encourage local people and organizations to engage in conservation efforts.