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: Girard, Fanny, Girard, Alexandre, Monsinjon, Jonathan, Arcangeli, Antonella, Belda, E.J., Cardona, Luis, Casale, Paolo, Catteau, Sidonie, David, Léa, Dell Amico, Florence, Gambaiani, Delphine, Girondot, Marc, Jribi, Imed, Lauriano, Giancarlo, Luschi, Paolo
• Other Authors: Universitat Politècnica de València. Escuela Politécnica Superior de Gandia - Escola Politècnica Superior de Gandia, European Commission, Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation, Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, Portugal, Ministère de la Transition écologique et Solidaire
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media SA 2022
• Subjects: MSFD; Sea turtles; Good environmental status; Indicators; Mediterranean Sea; Northeast Atlantic Ocean; ZOOLOGIA; 14.- Conservar y utilizar de forma sostenible los océanos; mares y recursos marinos para lograr el desarrollo sostenible; Northeast Atlantic
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10251/190063; https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.790733

[EN] 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. This study was funded by the French Ministry of Environment (MTES-MNHN Conventions n degrees 2102636187 (2019) and n degrees 2102994526 (2020)). DM acknowledges support from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement n degrees 794938. The work of ADM was supported by the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation (H.F.R.I.) under the "First Call for H.F.R.I. Research Projects to support Faculty members and Researchers and the procurement of high-cost research ...