Recommendations for the protection and recovery of Caribbean sea turtles

Abstract

Based on their review and expert knowledge, authors of this document are recommending the following priority actions to the Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) to the Protocol Concerning Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife(SPAW) in the Wider Caribbean Region: 1) Encourage compliance with the SPAW Protocol through the following steps: a. Prepare an information paper that summarizes the regulatory framework and any available data on the exploitation of sea turtle populations by SPAW Parties currently out of compliance with Annex II mandates to protect listed species; b. Request that the SPAW protocol initiate a dialogue with non-compliant Parties to identify barriers to moratoria on sea turtle harvest, or at least barriers to management based on biologically meaningful criteria. A map of the Caribbean Sea is included.