906 / 2024-09-19 19:15:56

Marine Turtle Conservation in China: Achievements and Challenges

Marine Turtle, Conservation

Session 72 - Sea turtle and marine mammal conservation: management, academic and outreach perspectives

China is home to five of the world’s seven marine turtle species: green turtle, hawksbill turtle, olive ridley turtle, leatherback turtle, and loggerhead sea turtle. In 2021, these species were elevated to first-class protection status under China’s newly revised “List of National Key Protected Wild Animals,” marking a significant milestone in marine turtle conservation. These turtles have long held cultural significance in China and serve as an important marine flagship species. In 2011, China revised the "Regulations on the Protection of Aquatic Wild Animals," further strengthening conservation efforts for species like marine turtles, spotted seals, and Chinese white dolphins. Preparing since 2016, the former Ministry of Agriculture took the lead in establishing the China Sea Turtle Conservation Alliance (CSTCA) in 2018, building a platform for multi-party participation and jointed promotion of marine turtle conservation. In 2019, the Marine Turtle Conservation Action Plan (2019-2033) was released, which provides guidance for marine turtle conservation across the country. In the same year, the "the CSTCA Expert Advisory Committee " was established to better promote international cooperation on marine turtle conservation. Since the implementation of the Action Plan five years ago, the CSTCA has released over 350 turtles and tracked more than 25 to study their migratory routes, contributing valuable data to global conservation efforts. In cooperation with the Sansha Marine Protected Area Bureau, the protection and research work of China's largest green turtle spawning ground has been completed, and the spawning ground has recorded an average of more than 200 nests of eggs landed yearly in recent years. Collaborative efforts with various social organizations have resulted in marine turtle conservation outreach exceeding 100 million people. Through the unremitting efforts of all parties, significant achievements have been made in the protection of marine turtle habitats, artificial breeding, standardized rescue and release, public communication and education, and especially the jointed efforts of relevant functional departments to crack down on illegal fishing and illegal trade of marine turtles, have significantly improved the survival of marine turtles in China. However, with the far-reaching effects of climate change and human activities (marine litter problems), marine turtle conservation is still a long way off. We must continue working together for a better future for marine turtles, also for ourselves.