Iluminar El Mar is a vital conservation initiative led on the ground by The Leatherback Project, dedicated to empowering local fishermen in coastal Ecuador to design innovative solutions to increase the sustainability of their practices through targeting a major threat facing migratory marine species: fisheries bycatch. Fisheries bycatch is the accidental catch of non-target catch in fishing gear, and is the greatest threat facing the leatherback sea turtle. By addressing this threat on a large enough scale, we can prevent the extirpation of the critically endangered East Pacific leatherback. In collaboration with local fishermen cooperatives, the Vice Ministry of Fisheries, nonprofit organizations, and academic partners, this multi-phase bycatch reduction program aims to safeguard these majestic creatures and their marine habitats. 

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Project Components:
 

• Testing Bycatch Reduction Technology:
  Developing and testing innovative technology to minimize bycatch and protect leatherbacks.

• Education and Outreach Campaign:
  Engaging local communities and stakeholders through targeted educational programs and outreach initiatives.

• Monitoring Stranding Events:
  Documenting and analyzing stranding events to gain insights into threats faced by leatherbacks.

• Community & Fishermen Surveys:
  Conducting surveys to gather critical data on community perspectives and fishing practices affecting leatherbacks.

• Research Investigations:
  Studying habitat use and fisheries overlap to inform better management strategies for endangered species.

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By using these tested methods of technology across collective fishing practices, we are helping substantially to reduce the accidental capture of leatherbacks.