Attitudes towards conservation and fishing interaction with sea turtles in the southeast coast of Brazil

• In some cases the animal being tapped for consumption.
• The IPA was different between the three cities, indicating different types of interactions in the region.
• More than half reported that marine turtles are frequently caught in nets and longlines.

In Brazil populations of marine turtles are mainly threatened by fishing, they are accidentally captured in virtually all types of fishing. The rescue of fishing folk wisdom could help reduce these catches. The aim of this study was to discuss the interactions between fishing and sea turtles. From September 2012 to January 2014 44 fishermen and 7 gatherers were interviewed, in the southern state of Espírito Santo. Ten Questions to build the Index of Positive Attitudes towards the conservation of marine turtles were selected (IPA). The IPA was different between the three cities, indicating different types of interactions in the region, the highest rates were found in Guarapari and smallest in Anchieta, the most important factor being the type of contact with the animal where in Guarapari most respondents were gatherers, while in Anchieta they were net fishermen. There was no significant difference between the IPA for these and for respondents who already participate in environment-related matters. To assess the impacts of bycatch, fishermen using longlines and net gear that offer high risk were considered. More than half reported that marine turtles are frequently caught in nets and longlines, including in some cases the animal being tapped for consumption. Policies to mitigate bycatch and quantify the impact of fishing activities become necessary in the region, as the impact of these activities is threatening the population of sea turtles on site.