SEAFDEC and the year of the (marine) turtle 2006

Abstract

SEAFDEC is a regional organization that has a mandate to promote sustainable fisheries in the region, including the management and conservation of fishery resources such as fish and marine turtles. Currently, marine turtle conservation is an issue of much interest to the world of nature conservation. IOSEA (Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia) and SEAFDEC declared 2006 as the Year of the Turtle. An outline is given of 3 SEAFDEC projects relating to marine turtles: 1) Research for stock enhancement of marine turtle; 2) Responsible fishing technologies and practices (Fisheries in Harmony with Nature); 3) Capacity building in the region to address international trade related issues. SEAFDEC's commitment to and direct involvement in increasing marine turtle populations will continue long beyond the Year of the Turtle, as projects and research will be ongoing for at least the next 5 years.