Toward a common approach for assessing the conservation status of marine turtle species within the european marine strategy framework directive

• Published in: Frontiers in Marine Science
• Main Authors: Fanny Girard, Alexandre Girard, Jonathan Monsinjon, Antonella Arcangeli, Eduardo Belda, Luis Cardona, Paolo Casale, Sidonie Catteau, Léa David, Florence Dell’Amico, Delphine Gambaiani, Marc Girondot, Imed Jribi, Giancarlo Lauriano, Paolo Luschi, David March, Antonios D. Mazaris, Claude Miaud, Andreas Palialexis, Jacques Sacchi, Ricardo Sagarminaga, Paola Tepsich, Jesús Tomás, Frederic Vandeperre, Françoise Claro
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2022
• Subjects: MSFD; sea turtles; good environmental status; indicators; Mediterranean Sea; north-east Atlantic Ocean; Science; Q; General. Including nature conservation; geographical distribution; QH1-199.5; North East Atlantic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.790733; https://doaj.org/article/ce792b0838f143b480a81ee25ee8d38d

Environmental policies, including the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), generally rely on the measurement of indicators to assess the good environmental status (GES) and ensure the protection of marine ecosystems. However, depending on available scientific knowledge and monitoring programs in place, quantitative GES assessments are not always feasible. This is specifically the case for marine turtle species, which are listed under the Biodiversity Descriptor of the MSFD. Relying on an expert consultation, the goal of this study was to develop indicators and a common assessment approach to be employed by European Union Member States to evaluate the status of marine turtle populations in the frame of the MSFD. A dedicated international expert group was created to explore and test potential assessment approaches, in coherence with other environmental policies (i.e. Habitats Directive, OSPAR and Barcelona Conventions). Following a series of workshops, the group provided recommendations for the GES assessment of marine turtles. In particular, indicators and assessment methods were defined, setting a solid basis for future MSFD assessments. Although knowledge gaps remain, data requirements identified in this study will guide future data collection initiatives and inform monitoring programs implemented by EU Member States. Overall this study highlights the value of international collaboration for the conservation of vulnerable species, such as marine turtles.