A Review of Turtle By-catch in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean tuna fisheries

The review suggests specific measures that might mitigate turtle by-catch and mortality, identifies gaps in the present knowledge base and recommends where future work might be directed. Specific recommendations include: i) the introduction and adoption of Pacific island countries of a formal mechanism to advise all (longline and purse seine) fishing fleets of their responsibilities regarding the live discard of protected species, and ii) the introduction of initiatives focusing on crew awareness and training in regards to reducing marine turtle mortalities.