Book Review - Sarah Caley

WWF’s Species Action Plan for the conservation of marine turtles in the Mediterranean Sea (December 2005)

The report discusses the current situation regarding turtles in the Med and also plans for the future. It covers each of the main turtle habitats around the Mediterranean; I have attempted to pick out relevant information on Greece and Zante although I got pretty bogged down in all the details!

3 species of marine turtles found in Mediterranean waters.
1. Caretta caretta (loggerhead turtle) most common species, with nesting sites in Greece, Libya, Turkey and Cyprus.
2. Dermochelys coriacea (leatherback turtle) enters the Med from the Atlantic, although has no nesting sites in the basin.
3. Chelonia mydas (green turtle) found in easternmost part of the Med, with major nesting sites in Turkey, Cyprus and Syria.

Both loggerhead and green turtles are globally listed as Endangered, while the leatherback is listed as Critically Endangered. WWF considers all marine turtle species to be Priority Species. Main threats to turtles include habitat degradation (particularly on nesting beaches), incidental catch and intentional killing.

WWF sees the potential that the conservation of marine turtles can have a positive impact on ecosystem conservation and the overall management of marine habitats. Furthermore, the conservation of marine turtles may bring important benefits to local communities and induce sustainable use of natural resources in general, as in the case of well-managed ecotourism.

WWF’s…
· VISION: Marine turtles worldwide are protected and restored to healthy levels.
· 10-YEAR GOAL: Threats to marine turtles, the loss and degradation of their critical habitats, the impacts of unsuitable use, and incidental capture are reduced.
· OBJECTIVES:
1. Reduce the loss and degradation of critical marine turtle habitats.
2. Reduce unsuitable use and illegal trade in marine turtles and turtle products.
3. Reduce the negative impact of by-catch on marine turtles.

The international trade and harvest of eggs and adult females at nesting beaches are no longer conservation issues due to the protection of species through specific legislation.

The situation in Greece:
The National Marine Park of Zakynthos was established by Presidential Decree in 1999, largely due to pressure from NGO’s. The management body of the park was established in July 2000 and is the first management authority for a protected area in Greece.

The Caretta caretta nesting site at Laganas Bay, Zakynthos is a National Marine Park. Regardless of legal protection, law enforcement on Zakynthos is still a major problem.

WWF priorities for Greece (starting with highest priority):
· Protection of the major nesting beaches that are not yet protected.
· Protection of other nesting beaches
· Enforcement of management of the major nesting beaches already protected by law.
· Assessment of interaction with different fishing gear.

Marine turtles frequent different habitats and areas during their lives and migrate long distances, therefore international cooperation is vital for the conservation of the species. This is particularly true for the Mediterranean which is an almost enclosed basin surrounded by 21 countries, each with its own unique culture.

Conservation of turtles seems to be an ongoing headache in the Med as it is not an easy task - it requires international commitment.