Water-based recreation around lakes and rivers can involve direct and indirect interactions between humans and turtles. Many benefits arise from these social-ecological interactions including increased human wellness and promotion of stewardship. However, these recreational activities may also introduce risks to turtle populations through  critical habitat disturbance, boat collision, bycatch, or other. Freshwater turtle populations are vulnerable to human impacts because of their life history traits, where even small disturbances can lead to major population declines. To protect these vulnerable species, we need to better understand the benefits and risks of interactions between people and turtles. For this project, we are particularly interested in interactions through water-based recreation (cottaging, boating, fishing, etc.). This work will support evidence-based best practices that may be applied to freshwater recreational activities for mitigating species disturbances. At the same time, our work will help raise awareness among water recreational users on what they can do to help mitigate risks to such vulnerable species.