In order to take concerted efforts for conservation of marine turtles, the Northern Indian Ocean Marine Turtle Task Force (NIO-MTTF)established by the CMS IOSEA Marine Turtle MOU, held its second meeting hosted by the Department of Wildlife Conservation, Sri Lanka in Colombo from 29-30January. The meeting was opened by Secretary Douglas Nanayakkara of the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Wildlife, who informed the meeting about Sri Lanka's inter-ministerial approach to wildlife conservation.
Turtle experts and government officials from the member countries namely Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka participated in the meeting, supported by a number of other regional experts and NGO's. The group emphasized on the need to enhance regional cooperation among member countries of the NIO-MTTF.
During the meeting, different issues facing marine turtles in the region were discussed. It was shared by member states that turtle nesting beaches have been badly affected by marine pollution and development activities which are degrading their habitats.
Besides, incidental by catch in fisheries practices and ghost nets pose a serious threat to turtles. As an outcome of the meeting, a regional action plan has been developed. The task force suggested that the best practices from other countries should be adopted by the NIO states.
It was recommended that to discourage the use of plastic, awareness campaigns should be conducted. States committed on effective enforcement of relevant legislations, reducing mortality and collaborative research initiatives including satellite and flipper tagging and genetic studies of turtle species. Member states recommended promoting sustainable livelihood among local communities for their effective engagement in turtle conservation activities.
Heidrun Frisch-Nwakanma, IOSEA Marine Turtle MoU Coordinator, highlighting the purpose of MoU, which was signed by 35 countries aiming to work together for conservation and management of marine turtles and their habitats. She emphasized that a key role of the MTTF was to strengthen regional cooperation and capacity building in the member states. Meetings such as this one allowed the exchange of scientific data and experiences.-PR