Sea turtle consumption and black market trade in Baja California Sur, Mexico

Abstract

We examined sea turtle consumption and illegal trade in Baja California Sur (BCS) using data from (1) bimonthly surveys at beaches, fishing camps and dumpsites and (2) semi-struc- tured interviews with fishermen. From March 2006 to February 2008, we found the carcasses of 1014 sea turtles; the meat of 461 of these turtles (45.5%) had been consumed. The East Pacific green tur- tle Chelonia mydas was the most sought-after species (77% of total consumed turtles). Consumption is still the main cause of mortality for sea turtles and the greatest threat to them in BCS, affecting mostly juvenile-sized specimens. Sea turtle consumption occurred all year round with a lower num- ber recorded from November to February and an increase thereafter. From 151 interviews we iden- tified 3 areas where turtle meat is consumed but not sold, 4 areas with a local black market and 3 areas providing for a regional and/or international black market. Prices vary from 2-5 USD kg -1 (entire turtle sold on the beach) to 4-20 USD kg -1 (meat only). Consumption of sea turtle meat is partly related to cultural factors, as it is consumed more frequently during the Christian fasting period of Lent. While trade and consumption have decreased in recent years, there are still several places that supply sea turtle meat to local, regional, and sometimes even international markets. Authority involvement in sea turtle traffic and the lack of law enforcement need to be addressed to improve sea turtle conservation in the region. The use of both qualitative and quantitative data in the present study has helped to gain a better understanding of sea turtle consumption in BCS.