Assessing Illegal Take of Sea Turtle in Bocas del Toro, Panamanian Caribbean

Author

Daniela Carolina Rojas-Cañizales, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

6-1-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Ocean, Coastal, and Earth Sciences

First Advisor

Roldan Valverde

Second Advisor

Anna Erwin

Third Advisor

Owen Temby

Abstract

In Bocas del Toro, Panama, sea turtles were exploited for generations to supply local, national, and international markets. Today, sea turtle species are globally protected by different laws, and Panama is no exception. However, the use of sea turtles in Bocas del Toro and local perceptions regarding the consumption of these reptiles are unknown. Accordingly, during May of 2024, I conducted twenty-five semi-structured interviews with key informants selected by targeted and snowball sampling. Sea turtle consumption persists, and there is a clandestine network to sell turtle meat and derived products in Bocas del Toro. This study provides the first assessment of local perceptions of sea turtle consumption and trade distribution in Bocas del Toro and regional insights into illegal take.

Comments

Copyright 2025 Daniela Rojas-Cañizales. All Rights Reserved. https://proquest.com/docview/3275034236

Recommended Citation

Rojas-Cañizales, D. C. (2025). Assessing Illegal Take of Sea Turtle in Bocas del Toro, Panamanian Caribbean [Master's thesis, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley]. ScholarWorks @ UTRGV. https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/1774