DOI: 10.1002/aqc.70483 ISSN: 1052-7613
Fisher Behaviour Reveals Opportunities for Participatory Monitoring of Sea Turtle Bycatch in China's Small‐Scale Fisheries
Jia Xue Li, Daphne Z. Hoh, Jintao Chen, Dayi Nie, Min ChenABSTRACT
Sea turtle bycatch in China's small‐scale fisheries remains poorly monitored due to limited reporting pathways. We interviewed fishers across Zhejiang and Hainan to assess the feasibility of incorporating them into bycatch monitoring. Most fishers reported catching sea turtles as bycatch and perceived population declines. Bycaught turtles were commonly released alive, and some fishers noted administering first aid to injured turtles or reporting them to authorities. Fishers' participation in awareness programmes was uneven, and enforcement of turtle protection regulations was perceived as strong. Findings indicate that fishers serve as primary observers and responders, supporting the development of a Citizen Observatory framework.