Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals

(CMS) signed at Bonn (Germany), 1979; entered into force in 1983

The Convention on Migratory Species, or Bonn Convention, incorporates two appendices that list migratory species that would benefit from concerted conservation measures. Endangered species, listed in Appendix I, are fully protected. This includes all marine turtles, with the exception of the endemic Australian Flatback (Natator depressus). Member States with Appendix I species are to endeavour to conserve their habitat, to counteract factors impeding their migration, and to control other factors that might endanger them. In general, Parties are obliged to prohibit the hunting, fishing, capturing, or harassing of these species. Numerous subsidiary agreements have been adopted under the auspices of the treaty, two of which relate directly to marine turtles: Understanding concerning Conservation Measures for Marine Turtles of the Atlantic Coast of Africa (Abidjan, 1999) and the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation and Management of Marine Turtles and their Habitats in the Indian Ocean and South East Asia (Manila, 2001).