B.4.6 To understand the main sources of entanglement of sea turtles and develop management measures
Action Theme: Theme B: Actions to reduce sea-based sources of marine litter
Action number: B.4.6
Action Title: To identify and understand the main sources of entanglement of sea turtles in the Eastern Atlantic and to develop adequate management measures
Lead Party(ies): Spain with support from Portugal
Image: ©Shutterstock
What is the issue?
Sea turtles located in the North East Atlantic come from several colonies located out of the OSPAR region (Florida, Mexico and Cape Verde for the loggerhead; Gabon, Guyana and Costa Rica for the leatherback). All threats affecting these animals in the OSPAR region, including entanglement, will strongly affect their original populations and global population dynamics.
What has OSPAR done?
The task aims at addressing entanglement on sea turtles on the basis of INDICIT II project data and other potential data in the OSPAR region from stranding networks and rescue centres. Emphasis will be given to a correct and standardised classification of litter causing entanglement, identification of the main sources and proposal of adequate management measures.