An analysis of the role of local fishermen in the conservation of the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) in Pontal do Ipiranga, Linhares, ES, Brazil

The role of researchers and fishermen in the clutch management of loggerhead sea turtles was evaluated for 10 nesting seasons at Pontal do Ipiranga TAMAR station, Linhares, ES. The comparison of nests transferred by researchers and locals (carebeiros) showed that clutches transferred by researchers presented higher clutch size. Clutch size between nests transferred by carebeiros and left in situ did not show significant differences. Hatching success was significantly higher for clutches left in situ than for those transferred to other places in the beach or to hatcheries. The clutches transferred exclusively by researchers achieved a higher hatching success than those transferred partially or totally by carebeiros. The relocation time of clutches collected by carebeiros and handed to researchers affected hatching success. It is recommended that clutches be left in situ, provided they have adequate conditions for monitoring, but careful clutch translocation, independent of the interval elapsed after laying, may also constitute a viable technique for the conservation of sea turtles in the region. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.