MARINE  CONSERVATION  NEWS

Marine Conservation Society Seychelles, 
 PO Box 1299, Victoria, Mahe ,Seychelles

Seychelles Signs the Indian Ocean South East Asia Sea Turtle Agreement (IOSEA)

  Six species of marine turtles are known to occur in the Indian Ocean and South East Asia . These are listed as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered under the World Conservation Union’s Red List of Threatened Species. Internationally marine turtles have a high priority for conservation, being also listed under the Convention for the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) amongst others.

  In view of their highly migratory nature, many populations may benefit from the effective implementation of a trans-boundary approach to their conservation.

 

July 2003  

Vol 1, No. 1
 

 

www.mcss.sc

Endangered Hawksbill turtle. Photo D. Rowat

  The IOSEA Conservation and Management Plan contains 24 programmes and 105 specific activities. The measures to be taken focus on reducing threats, conserving critical habitat, exchanging scientific data, increasing public awareness and participation, promoting regional cooperation and seeking resources for implementation.

Hatchling turtle. Photo U. Engelhardt

 The signatory States, currently numbering fifteen, held their first formalmeeting in Bangkok, Thailand, from 22-24 January 2003.  Seychelles, represented by Ms. Wilna Accouche, Asst. Conservation Officer in the Ministry of Environment, signed the IOSEA during the meeting.

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