Why did turtle fishing decline in the Cayman Islands?

Turtle fishing in the Cayman Islands declined due to two primary factors:

• Resource Depletion: By the end of the 18th century, uncontrolled fishing had effectively eliminated the native turtle population, which had previously served as the islands' virtually sole resource.1
• Regulatory Constraints: As the local population sought new turtle grounds farther afield, they faced increasing international restrictions that made the practice unsustainable and led to its significant reduction.1

Today, rather than relying on wild harvesting, the islands maintain a government-operated turtle farm that provides food, shells, and leather.2