UNEP(DEC)MED WG

UNEP(DEC)/MED WG.268/12
Annex III
Page 7
Implementing the Action Plan on Cetaceans and its related actions were better
described by the countries belonging to the ACCOBAMS Agreement and the three
countries that are part of the Pelagos marine sanctuary, in other countries, actions
were carried on to mitigate the impacts of fishing at the level of by-catch of marine
mammals (use of pingers) and/or marine turtles. In Libya and Tunisia, cetacean
Action Plans are being prepared, in collaboration with ACCOBAMS.
The activities carried on in the context of the conservation of marine turtles
(monitoring of egg-laying areas and strandings, target training, public and
fishermen’s awareness, etc.) were numerous and showed the high degree of interest
shown in marine turtles. An example of this is the monitoring done in Libya in the El
Kouf National Park.
As for marine plants, several actions were being carried out to mitigate the harmful
effects of fishing and the urbanisation of the coast on Posidonia meadows,
particularly the use bottom dragging gear at shallow depths and the destabilisation of
the coasts.
Certain countries, particularly those on the southern shore of the mediterranean,
were counting on the help of RAC/SPA and the SAP BIO project to help them
implement their national action plans. Further details and information on
implementing the secen Action Plans appear in Annex V.
III.8. Implementing other recommendations made by the Contracting Parties to
the Protocol
At the Thirteenth Ordinary Meeting of Contracting Parties, held in November 2003,
the Contracting Parties agreed on a set of recommendations on nature protection;
among these recommendations were those concerning Biodiversity and SPAs; those
relating to the sustainable management of coastal areas and the recommendation on
integrating development and the environment. In this part of the report, information
was requested on implementation of the above-mentioned recommendations.
The following information was noted:
France: referred to the reports presented on the various MAP Protocols without
describing or citing them.
Italy: a guide and an atlas were published (in English and Italian) on 22 protected
marine areas, and on the Pelagos marine sanctuary.
Malta: gave a package of information on the implementing of: the recommendation
concerning Specially Protected Areas and Biodiversity and on training and public
awareness; Malta joined ACCOBAMS on 13 February 2001. In addition:
- Malta participated in the joint IFAW/ACCOBAMS scientific campaign; an
awareness and popularization action followed
- Coastal areas were being developed and a document related to this was being
prepared