Ocean Sentry
(From un.org)- Marine turtle populations in the Indian Ocean region and South-East Asia are under threat from coastal tourism, and commercial and illegal fishing practices, the United Nations environment agency reported today ahead of a meeting in Bali to sign a conservation agreement. Although the most common threat to marine turtles are their natural predators, incidental capture in coastal harvesting, unsustainable egg collection, poaching and a resurgence in destructive fisheries, such as the use of dynamite and poison, contribute to their decline significantly. Delegations from more than 30 countries at the Bali conference will review the implementation of a conservation and management plan giving particular attention to coastal development issues and fisheries interaction with marine turtles.
