Recent research has shown that using illuminated nets at specific light spectra reduces bycatch of marine turtles and other endangered species by over 50%. Specifically, in our study area (Baja California Sur, BCS, Mexico), LED lights have been tested and showed great potential to reduce bycatch of endangered species. Nevertheless, this technology has some drawbacks: LED lights are expensive, heavy, and generate too much waste (batteries need to be replaced approximately every few weeks).

For this reason, we teamed up with a team led by Dr Jesse Senko and Dr Jennifer Blain Christen from Arizona State University who are working to develop miniaturized solar-powered LED lights that could be clipped to fishing nets. Prototypes are expected to be available by the fall of 2018. While this new technology is being created, it is imperative to start working with local fishermen and communities in BCS in order to guarantee testing and possibly early adoption of new fishing gear and bycatch reduction technologies. Furthermore, engaging fishermen in the project since the beginning will help Dr Senko’s team adjust the device design so that they can be used in active, commercial fisheries. In a preliminary workshop, fishermen showed great interest in this project and provided some very useful ideas on the LED design and attachment mechanism to the net. We identified four communities where fishermen agreed to participate in further meetings and workshops. Therefore, we are hoping to run a series of workshops to improve the design of modified fishing gear, test newly developed technology, assess their effectiveness to reduce bycatch, and evaluate the willingness of fishermen to ‘adopt’ the modified fishing gear we are currently working to develop. This work has the potential to substantially reduce turtle bycatch mortality and increase overall fisheries sustainability in BCS and in coastal communities with similar fisheries.