Cynthia J. Lagueux & Cathi L. Campbell — Nicaragua (2018)

The Pearl Cays lie along the central coast of Caribbean Nicaragua and are an important developmental and nesting habitat for hawksbills. Fishers often capture turtles intentionally or as bycatch. This 2018 SWOT grant will be used to support a Fisher-to-Fisher program that will enable a local fisher, William McCoy, to conduct community outreach that will reduce the killing of sea turtles. This interaction with local fishers aids in raising awareness of the importance of sea turtles in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. It also encourages fishers to donate captured turtles so that they may be tagged and released.