LIFE MEDTURTLES

LIFE18 NAT/IT/000103

Given that the geographical range of these two populations includes areas outside the EU, where the populations are subject to significant fishing impacts, the project recognizes that this aim can only be achieved through a Mediterranean-level approach implemented in both EU and non-EU countries. In this respect, the project aims to extend the ongoing LIFE EUROTURTLES (Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Malta) to another EU country (Spain) and to key areas such as Albania and Turkey (EU candidate countries) and Tunisia (European Neighbourhood Policy country). The project also aims to integrate results from TARTALIFE wherever appropriate, including Italy. The specific project objectives are:

1) Reduce the impact of anthropogenic threats at foraging grounds, with priority to trawl and set nets in Spain, Italy, Tunisia, Turkey and Albania.

2) Reduce the impact of anthropogenic threats at nesting sites in Spain and Albania, in order to (i) guarantee a suitable nesting and incubation habitat for the future, including climate change effects, and (ii) allow a high production of newborns recruiting to their populations.

3) Set up a consistent approach for the conservation of the EU sea turtle populations, in order to optimize current and future efforts and resources in the EU.

4) Set up a network for sea turtle conservation among key actors in EU and relevant non-EU countries, based on common objectives and methods. This network will include the main research and conservation organizations in the countries.

5) Promote among EU and non-EU citizens the concept of shared Mediterranean Sea turtle populations and of the common heritage of natural marine resources of which sea turtles are excellent and charismatic flagship species.

The team of the Marine Zoology Unit of the UVEG performs these tasks in the waters and coasts of the Valencian Community; working mainly on issues of turtle nesting on our beaches and reduction of accidental catches by fisheries. For this, we count on the collaboration of citizens, the participation of the network for attention to strandings of cetaceans and sea turtles of the Valencian Community and the invaluable help of the fishermen of our ports.

Life program, marine turtles, marine conservation, sea, fisheries, bycatch, nesting

Paolo Casale, University of Pisa

Unidad de Zoología Marina, Institut Cavanilles de Biodiversitat i Biologia Evolutiva (ICBIBE)

C/ Catedrático José Beltrán 2, E-46980, aterna, Valencia, Spain

Email: jesus.tomas@uv.es

Tel.: 963544549

European Comission LIFE programme

Asociación Chelonia

Xaloc, hermanos de sal

• EU - LIFE

Collective Actions for Improving the Conservation Status of the EU Sea Turtle Populations: Bordering Areas