Using Angler Surveys to Record Recreational Fishing Interactions with Turtles in the Chesapeake Bay

Abstract

The conservation of sea turtles is of concern on a global level. Because of human impacts like global warming, pollution, and commercial fishing, sea turtle populations are being threatened. Conservation groups are working to counteract commercial fishing to protect sea turtles from becoming bycatch. This protects turtles in major bodies of water and from large commercial vessels, but the sea turtles are still threatened by recreational fishing, which is generally undocumented. Large bays and other coastal bodies of water are areas where sea turtles may interact with fishermen.