WESTERN INDIAN OCEAN (WIO) REGION MARINE TURTLE ...

Nest Protection Programmes:• Very few in operation in Madagascar and often only short term• IHSM DEA study in Tolagnaro region – pay collectors per eggto leave nests intact (double the market price)• Intermittent protection on Nosy Iranja and Nosy Mitsiho in theNorth-westNational Policy and Legislative MeasuresMadagascar has signed a number of international conventionsrelating to sea turtle conservation:• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Faunaand Flora (CITES); Decree 75-014 signed and ratified in 1975• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): signed in 1992 and ratified in1995 (Decree 95-695)• Bonn Convention; Convention for the Conservation of Migratory Species,signed but not yet ratifiedSome national regulations have been establishedfor the protection of sea turtles:• Decree 23 May 1923 prohibited the capture of nesting femalesand individuals with carapace diameters of less than 50 cm.• Decree 24 October 1923 declared protected nesting sites on theislands of Nosy Anambo (Diego Suarez), Nosy Iranja (NosyBe), Chesterfield (Morondava(Morondava), Nosy Ve (Toliara)) and Europa(France).• Decree 760-80 prohibited the commerce of (dead) ornamentalturtles and crocodiles as well as any products obtained fromthese animals for exportation• Presidential Decree 88-243 integrally protecting sea turtles andother animal species cited in article 1 from exploitation .However these regulations are not enforced despiteregular infringements. The non-application of the lawsis the result of the following:• lack of financial and material means forimplementation• lack of qualified staff to enforce and administerexisting legislation• immensity of the Malagasy coast making surveillancedifficult• high level of poverty and illiteracy in coastalpopulationsSummary• Great need for integrated and effective conservation for marineturtles in Madagascar – of national and regional importance.• Increased awareness and enforcement of existing regulations isa priority.• Regulations should be adapted to accommodate local culturalpractice if still followed.• Research programmes need to be planned and instigated,particularly tagging and genetics studies.• Monitoring on a national scale in terms of current nesting sitesand fishing activity is also a high priority