IOSEA Marine Turtle MoU: National Report

Transcription

1 Page 1 of 17 Home > Main report > Query full report Select Geographic Area Select Query Country Sri Lanka Query full report Go GENERAL INFORMATION Signatory State: Sri Lanka (NIO) Agency or institution primarily responsible for the preparation of this report: Department of Wildlife Conservation, Sri Lanka (DWC) Any other agencies, institutions, or NGOs that have provided input: IUCN The World Conservation Union, Sri Lanka Country Office (IUCN-SL) Turtle Conservation Project of Sri Lanka (TCP) National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) Marine Pollution Prevention Authority (MPPA) Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Department of Customs, Ministry of Finance. Memorandum in effect in country since: 01/09/2001 Report was last updated: 24/03/2005 Designated Focal Point: Department of Wildlife Conservation No 18, Gregory's Road, Colombo 07, Sri Lanka director@dwlc.lk Telephone: ( ) ext 401 Fax: (+94 11) OBJECTIVE I: REDUCE DIRECT AND INDIRECT CAUSES OF MARINE TURTLE MORTALITY 1.1 Threats to marine turtle populations and their habitats List by name those nesting beaches, feeding grounds and developmental habitats that are important for marine turtles in your country. Indicate geographic coordinates, if possible. Ahungalla, Akurala, Amadoova (Nimalawa sanctuary), Ambalangoda, Arippu, Arugambay, Balapitiya, Battalangunduwa, Benthota, Beruwala, Boosa, Bundala modara to Kirindi modara (Bundala NP), Buthawa to Patanangala (Yala NP), Doovamodara, Godawaya to Walawa modara, Habbakkala, Habaraduwa, Hambantota to Malala modara, Hikkaduwa, Induruwa - Mapalana, Kahanda-modara, Kahawa, Kaikawala, Kalutara (Kalido beach), Kandakuliya, Karathivu island, Kirinda / Magama, Koggala, Kosgoda / Bandarawatta, Kumana, Lunama - Kalametiya, Maawella - Dikwella, Maggona, Malala modara to Pathiraja (Bundala NP), Mirijjawila, Moratuwa, Mount-lavinia, Naagashandiya, Okanda, Palatupana to Mahasilawa (Yala NP), Panama, Potuwil, Pukkulam (Wilpattu NP), Rekawa, Rumassala / Galle, Seeni-modara, Silawaturei, South bar, Tangalle, Thibbattuwawa, Uchchmuni, Unawatuna, Ussangoda to Welipatanwila, Warahena, Waturegama, Wellaodae. 1.2 Best practice approaches to minimizing threats

2 Page 2 of Describe any protocols or approaches for conserving and managing marine turtle populations which you consider to be exemplary and suitable for adaptation and adoption elsewhere in the region. National Marine Turtle Conservation Action Plan, to be published in 2005 by DWC (In collaboration with all stakeholder). The working draft will be finalized at a oneday workshop on 10th March Which best practice approaches has your country adapted and/or adopted with success? Adaptive in-situ conservation done successfully in Bundala National Park, by DWC Both in-situ & ex-situ conservation practiced in Rekawa beach, by DWC & TCP Best practices for hatchery management and eco-tourism are not adopted in Sri Lanka. Guidelines will be developed for the NMTCAP by March Programmes to correct adverse economic incentives Describe any socio-economic studies that have been conducted among communities that interact with marine turtles and their habitats. TCP Rekawa DWC Bundala National Park NARA Kalutara and Galle districts IUCN-SL Entire coastline from Tangalle to Pilinnawa (Yala National Park) Which economic incentives are in need of modification in your country in order to reduce threats to and mortality of marine turtles? a. Community Participation in conservation activities. b. Eco tourism development. c. Regulatory mechanism for hatchery practices d. Training & incentives on Animal husbandry for coastal communities Describe any progress made towards implementing modifications to these economic incentives, as well as resources needed and already secured for their implementation. a. Community around the Bundala National Park and Rekawa beach (a critical turtle nesting habitat I Sri Lanka). Kalametiya Sanctuary areas are involved actively in beach patrolling and in-situ turtle conservation activities Economic incentives for youth participating in turtle research (as data collectors) in Ussangoda, Kahanda Modara, Wellaodae, Rekawa & Godawaya- Walawa modara areas. b. Community-based Eco tourism activities in Rekawa by TCP 1.4 Reduction of incidental capture and mortality Which gear, devices and techniques have been developed and/or are used in your country to minimize incidental capture of marine turtles? Devices that allow the escape of marine turtles Spatial closures of fishing activities Seasonal closures of fishing activities Other (list them): None of the above Describe in more detail any initiatives undertaken with fisheries industries and fisheries management organisations to implement mitigation measures in national waters and on the high seas. Promoting long line fishing instead of drift gill nets in offshore fisheries NARA Banning Tammel netting in coral reef areas NARA

3 Page 3 of 17 Temporary banning of encircling nets in both coastal and offshore areas NARA Banning use of explosives and chemicals in marine fisheries (Fisheries & aquatic resources (amendment ) act, no. 4 of 2004). Banning of dynamite fishing Temporary baning of encircling fishing. Declaration of Hikkaduwa and Pegion island Marine National Parks & Barreef Sanctuary as Marine Protected Areas, under the DWC. Declared the shallow sea area(10 m depth) from Little Bass to Buthawa point as a fisheries management area in Describe any procedures or training programmes developed to promote implementation of these measures (e.g. vessel monitoring systems, inspections, on-board observer programmes etc.) Has your country exchanged information and provided technical assistance to other signatory States to promote these activities? Please give details. a. Exchanged tag data with Indian Turtle tagging programme Dead turtle washed off and found in Palatupana beach (Yala National Park) in b. TCP has already distributed its by-catch survey findings internationally and therefore shared the information, these findings were compared with findings we received from many countries through many different organisations What measures has your country taken in support of UN General Assembly Resolution 46/215 concerning the moratorium on the use of large-scale driftnets? Promoting long line fishing instead of drift gill nets in offshore fisheries NARA Has your country developed and/or implemented net retention and recycling schemes? Please give details Does your country provide and ensure the use of port facilities for the disposal of ship-borne waste? Please give details. MPPA Act 59 of 1981, presently being implemanting by MPPA. 1.5 Prohibition of harvest of, and trade in, marine turtles Has your country already enacted legislation to prohibit direct harvest and domestic trade in marine turtles, their eggs, parts and products? Please give details, including any exceptions made. Please give details. a. Fauna & Flora Protection Ordinance (FFPO) (Chapter 496) as amended by acts Nos. 44 of 1964, 1 of 1970 and Act No. 49 of 1993 from DWC b. Fisheries & aquatic resources (amendment ) act, no. 4 of 2004 Custom ordinance, section 12, schedule B Please indicate the level and the impact of traditional harvest on marine turtles and their eggs. Provide the source of information to make this assessment. Level of harvest: HIGH MODEST LOW NONE UNKNOWN

4 Page 4 of 17 Source of information (type in): R.M.M Chandraratne Some reptile bones from the Gedige excavation in 1985, the citadel of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Lyriocephalus, 3(2): 7-15 Prof. Jindasa s papers Site Deraniyagala s papers cross reference in the 1st paper Turtle egg collection is very high as a traditional harvesting practice in Sri Lanka and therefore having a high impact on turtle populations (pers. com. - TCP) Impact of harvest: HIGH MODEST LOW NONE UNKNOWN Source of information (type in): TCP interviewed old traditional turtle egg collectors and they confirmed that in their earlier times there were large numbers of turtles nesting on the local beaches but today number have been dramatically reduced. As an example old egg collectors in Rekawa have mentioned that 20 years ago there were about 40 turtles per night nesting on the beach during the peak season. Today however it has reduced to a maximum of in Rekawa Have any management programmes been established that include limits on levels of intentional harvest? If yes, please give details. Community members who were intentionally harvesting turtle eggs are now employed as turtle nest protectors in several beaches such as Kosgoda Rekawa and Bundala What are the cultural and traditional values, and economic uses of marine turtles in your country (consumptive and non-consumptive)? Meat consumption Egg consumption Shell products Fat consumption Traditional medicine Eco-tourism programmes centred on marine turtles Marine turtles are culturally/traditionally significant Other (list): Urgent Hatchery practices Describe any management agreements being negotiated, or already in place, with other concerned States in relation to sustainable levels of traditional harvest. None. 1.6 Nesting beach programmes Has your country undertaken a recent evaluation of the effectiveness of its nest and beach management programmes? If yes, provide a reference/contact for any published or unpublished reports. The Departmant of Wildlife conservation has been evaluating the effectiveness of its nest and beach management at Rakewa, Bundala and Yala National Park Since TCP has published several research papers on beach management programmes conducted by TCP in Rekawa and Kosgoda. A list of TCP publications is available at TCP website ( What measures are in place to minimise or reduce the mortality of eggs, hatchlings and nesting females (including that caused by feral and domestic animals)? Night patrolling done by DWC staff in protected areas (Bundala and Yala National Park) and Rekawa beach (a critical turtle nesting habitat in Sri Lanka).

5 Page 5 of 17 Placing of specially designed concrete rings to protect nests by natural predators (wild pig, Jackal, mongoose, Crabs & water/land monitors) practiced in Bundala National Park. OBJECTIVE II: PROTECT, CONSERVE AND REHABILITATE MARINE TURTLE HABITATS 2.1 Measures to protect and conserve marine turtle habitats What incentives are there for assuring adequate protection of critical habitat outside of established protected areas? a. Local community members in Rekawa beach (a critical turtle nesting habitat I Sri Lanka) are trained, and given incentives for collecting turtle eggs for the DWC exsitu conservation programme. b. TCP has trained Rekawa community members in in-situ nest protection and research techniques and employed them as nest protectors between 1996 and This programme will be restarted in March 2005 Training has been given for wildlife officials by TCP and NARA to assure the adequate protection Are assessments routinely made of the environmental impact on marine turtles and their habitats of marine and coastal development and other human activities? If yes, give details. a. Marine turtle nesting habitat assessment has been conducted under the RUK Turtle Conservation Project, implemented by IUCN-SL in collaboration with DWC for the beach stretch from Tangalle to Pilinnawa (Yala National Park) in 2005 a stretch of approximately 96 km. The final report is under preparation. b. TCP has conducted a habitat assessment on marine turtles between Tangalle and Hambantota in 1999 (unpublished report is available on request) In general terms, what measures are in place to manage and regulate the use of beaches and dunes? Regulations regarding location and design of buildings Regulations on the use of artificial lighting Regulations on the transit of vehicles in nesting areas None of the above Other (describe): Use this box to comment further on any of the answers above: Building construction on the coastal areas has been regulated under the Coast Conservation Act. Artificial lighting which disturb the wildlife is prohibited under Flora & Fauna Protection Ordinance (FFPO) Transit of vehicles in Turtle nesting areas is prohibited in Protected areas under FFPO Yala Beach is protected legally and conservation programmes are scheduled. Bundala beach is protected legally, and a community-based programme for in situ conservation by the Department of Wildlife Conservation is continuing. Rekawa, one of the important nesting beaches, is not legally protected, but in-situ conservation programmes are undertaken by NGOs and the Department of Wildlife Conservation. The DWC has established a "wildlife beat" office at Rekawa beach and regular patrolling is conducted there Is water quality monitored, and are steps taken to protect water quality from land based and maritime pollution? If yes, please give details.

6 Page 6 of 17 Hatchery water quality have been examined by NARA and need improvements with the Central Environmantal Outhority What measures are being applied to ensure the effective prohibition of the use of poisonous chemicals and explosives? a. A majority of critical habitats are within the protected areas, and it is strictly prohibited to carry such toxic chemicals into these areas. b. Fauna & Flora Protection Ordinance Part V 53 A discribed that no persion shall use any poision, explosive or stupefying substence for the purpose of poisoning, kiliing ir stupefying any animal. c. Fisheries & aquatic resources (amendment ) act, no. 4 of d. National Environmental Act No.47 of 1980 discibed prohibittion of the unauthorized discharge, emision or diposit of litter,waste,garbage and sewageses. 2.2 Rehabilitation of degraded marine turtle habitats Have any efforts been made to re-vegetate frontal dunes at nesting beaches? If yes, give details (location, timing, effectiveness etc.) Are efforts being made to remove debris that impedes turtle nesting and hatchling production? If yes, give details (location, timing, effectiveness etc.) a. TCP has organised many beach cleaning programmes in Rekawa between 1996 and b. Similar programmes has been conducted by TCP on nesting beaches in Tangalle area with the participation of school children. c. As a result of the recent Tsunami Kosgoda beach was covered with debris and TCP immediately organised a beach cleaning programme with local community participation and foreign volunteers Are efforts being made to recover degraded coral reefs? If yes, give details (location, timing, effectiveness etc.) In Rumassala Reef, since 1998 by NATCOG. Mr. Prasanna Weerakkody, experimental coral restorstion experiments activities has been conducted. In Hikkaduwa National Park & Bar Reef Sanctuary since 1998 Prf.Suki Ekarathne University of Colombo after bleaching event, experimental coral restorstion experiments activities has been conducted Are efforts being made to recover degraded mangrove and seagrass habitats? If yes, give details (location, timing, effectiveness etc.) Mangrove recovery programmes a. Mangrove recovery programmes conducted in Rekawa by Rekawa Development Foundation (RDF). b. TCP has replanted mangroves in Rekawa lagoon and in Puttlam lagoon and still maintains these rehabilitated areas. TCP has also conducted many educational programmes on mangrove conservation

7 Page 7 of 17 OBJECTIVE III: IMPROVE UNDERSTANDING OF MARINE TURTLE ECOLOGY AND POPULATIONS THROUGH RESEARCH, MONITORING AND INFORMATION EXCHANGE 3.1 Studies on marine turtles and their habitats Have baseline studies been conducted or other information gathered on marine turtle populations and their habitats in your country? If yes, cite any available relevant literature. Amarasooriya, D. and P. Dayaratne. A survey on the existing turtle hatcheries and mapping of nesting beaches of turtles along the North-west, West, South-west, South and South-east coasts of Sri Lanka. National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency. Crow Island, Colombo, Sri Lanka. TCP will provide all published papers on marine turtles and their habitats Are long-term monitoring programmes in place for priority marine turtle populations? If yes, give details. a. Since 1994 in Bundala National Park by DWC b. Since 1996 by TCP, and then continued from 2001 to date by the DWC In Rekawa beach c. Since 1997 in Galle and Hambanthota districts by NARA Has the genetic identity of marine turtle populations frequenting the waters of your country been characterized? If yes, give details. Proposed study on the genome of the marine turtle species of Sri Lanka to be commenced in 2005, by NARA. The first phase of the project would concentrate on leatherback turtles What studies have been / are being used to identify migration routes? Tagging Genetic studies Satellite tracking Other None of the above Give details: Tagging was undertaken by the Turtle Conservation Project (TCP), and monitoring undertaken throughout the year. Titanium metal tags have been used for turtle tagging and two tags were fixed to the front flippers (one on each flipper) Have studies been carried out on marine turtle population dynamics and survival rates? If yes, give details. a. TCP has conducted population dynamics, hatchling success studies in Rekawa and Kosgoda beaches, and several papers have also been published on these titles. b. Hatchability has been studied in in-situ and ex-situ turtle nest conservation programmes in Rekawa and Bundala NP by DWC field officers Has research been conducted on the frequency and pathology of diseases of marine turtles? If yes, give details Is the use of traditional ecological knowledge in research studies being promoted? If so, how?

8 Page 8 of 17 Traditional ecological knowledge has been used in identification of species, nesting seasons, nesting frequencies, nesting hotspots etc. for ongoing field studies conducted by DWC, NARA, TCP and IUCN-SL Are research and monitoring activities periodically reviewed and evaluated for their efficacy? Evaluated within organisations or project implementing agencies. 3.2 Collaborative research and monitoring Have priority research and monitoring needs been identified and included in regional and sub-regional action plans? If yes, which plans? a. The TCP will undertake an extensive research review to identify the research and monitoring priorities under the RUK Turtle Conservation Project implemented by DWC. b. The National Marine Turtle Action Plan to be finalized in 2005 will include the priority research and monitoring needs On which of the following themes have collaborative studies and monitoring been conducted? (Give brief details for each) Genetic identity Conservation status CAMP workshop on herpetofauna held at the National Zoological gardens to make the conservation status of marine turtles in SL in Contact Mr. Anslem De Silva for details Migrations Details given in the TCP s By-catch survey report Other biological and ecological aspects Other (describe): A Marine Turtle Nesting Habitat Assessment of the beach stretch from Tangalle to Pilinnawa (Yala National Park) (approximately 96Km) has been completed by IUCN- SL in collaboration with DWC, and future monitoing is planned to be done by the DWC field staff followed by a training programme. Habitat assessment in the coastline between Tangalle and Hambantota has been conducted by TCP in None of the above 3.3 Data analysis List in order of priority the marine turtle populations in your country need of conservation actions, and indicate for each of them their population trends. Five species of marine turtles have been irecorded in Sri Lanka in different abundance. Based on the observations the following order of priority for marine turtle conservation can be suggested for Sri Lanka: 1. Hawksbill Turtle 2. Leatherback Turtle 3. Loggerhead Turtle 4. Green Turtle 5. Olive ridley Turtle

9 Page 9 of In what areas are research results being used to improve the efficacy of conservation actions: Management Threat mitigation Assessment of hatchery management practices Assessment of habitat loss Other (describe): None of the above 3.4 Information exchange Has your country undertaken any initiatives to standardise methods and levels of data collection, including an agreed set of protocols? If yes, give details. Not presently, but this will be addressed under the regional co-operation sub component of the RUK Turtle Conservation Project (DWC & IUCN-SL) What methods are being used for dissemination of information (to other Range States)? [NB: This question differs from 4.1.1), below] None To what extent does your country exchange scientific and technical information and expertise with other Range States? OFTEN (SYTEMATICALLY) OCCASIONALLY RARELY NEVER To what extent does your country disseminate traditional knowledge on marine turtles? OFTEN (SYTEMATICALLY) OCCASIONALLY RARELY NEVER Does your country compile data on marine turtle populations of a regional interest? If yes, give details. OBJECTIVE IV: INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE THREATS TO MARINE TURTLES AND THEIR HABITATS, AND ENHANCE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES 4.1 Public education, awareness and information programmes Describe, in general terms, the nature of the education materials that have been collected, developed and disseminated in your country. DWC Awareness programmes in Bundala, Rekawa, Kalametiya, Hikkaduwa, etc. in coastal areas. Awareness material developed by DWC posters, mobile exhibition units, documentary film. Conducted awearness programmes on the importance of conservation sea Turtle, For schoolchildrens, teachers in Hikkaduwa, Habaraduwa, Galle by NARA School training programmes. Articles in scientific and public papers, journals, etc. IUCN-SL

10 Page 10 of 17 Handouts on Turtles & assessing their habitats for capacity building of DWC officers. In preparation: A laymen s guide on CMC, Handbooks on In-stu conservation and Law enforcement for capacity building of officers & communities engaged in Turtle conservation, An occasional paper on the habitat assessment of marine turtles from Tangalle to Yala southern coast of Sri Lanka Have any community learning / information centres been established? If yes, give details. To be updated by TCP Have any mass media information programmes been developed and implemented? If yes, give details. TCP have prepaired documentaries and media programmes e.g Kosgoda programme and turtle conservation exhibition with local media. DWC with collaboration of Sri Lanka Broadcasting & Television Cooperation - Short documentary programmes on nature (including turtle conservation) For which of the following groups have focused education and awareness programmes been developed and conducted? Policy makers Teachers Schools Fishing communities Media Other (describe): For Local Government Agencies None of the above Please give further details: TCP Teachers, Schools, Communities, Media (details to be given) DWC- Awareness workshops and information packs for and school children and teachers. Technical inputs to the school curriculum. Policy circulars for the government agents. 4.2 Alternative livelihood opportunities Describe initiatives undertaken to identify and facilitate alternative livelihoods (including income generating activities) for local communities. DWC- Ecotourism practices planned for the Bundala National Park (Management Plans updated in 2004) with active local community participation. TCP (details to be given) 4.3 Public participation Describe initiatives undertaken to involve stakeholders, and local communities in particular, in the planning and implementation of conservation and management measures. DWC- Preparation of the Management Plan for Bundala National Park. All stakeholders were involved in decision making through number of workshops, It was presented to the local community and their inputs were also considered. TCP (details to be given) Describe initiatives undertaken to encourage the participation of Government institutions, NGOs, private sector and the general community in research and conservation efforts.

11 Page 11 of 17 IUCN-SL- Participation of DWC, TCP, Local NGOs and general public in RUK Turtle Conservation Project Convening the National Level Steering Committee on the same project with representatives from the DWC, TCP, Coast Conservation Department (CCD), NARA, Marine Pollution Prevention Authority (MPPA), and Department of Customs. NARA-Participation of local community in research data collection since 1998 in Ussangoda, Walawemodera, Unawatuna and Habaraduwa areas. TCP (details to be given) What incentive schemes have been used to encourage public participation? T-shirts for tag returns Public acknowledgement Certificates Other (describe): TCP (details to be given) None of the above Please give further details: TCP (details to be given). OBJECTIVE V: ENHANCE NATIONAL, REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION 5.1 Collaboration with, and assistance to, signatory and non-signatory States Has your country actively encouraged other (non-party) States to join CITES? Has your country undertaken a national review of its compliance with CITES obligations in relation to marine turtles? Does your country have, or participate/cooperate in, CITES training programmes for relevant authorities? Does your country have in place mechanisms to identify international illegal trade routes (for marine turtle products etc.) and to cooperate with other States to prevent/deter/eliminate illegal trade? If yes, give details. If no, describe any impediments in this regard. Biodiversity unit in Department of Customs negotiating with the Traffic International organisation and World customs on the illigal trade informations Which compliance and trade issues has your country exchanged information on or raised for discussion (e.g. through the MoU Secretariat, at meetings of signatory States etc.)? None Describe measures in place to prevent, deter and eliminate domestic illegal trade in marine turtle products (e.g. monitoring, legislation, identification of enforcement gaps, training etc.)

12 Page 12 of 17 Low enforcement through DWC officers. Training for Police officers by DWC. Publication on protected species (including cites lists) by IUCN-SL. 5.2 Development and implementation of national, sub-regional and regional action plans Has your country taken steps towards developing a set of key management measures to be used as a basis for more specific action plans? If yes, give details. This will be addressed in the National Marine Turtle Conservation Action Plan (NMTCAP) wich will be finalised and published in 2005 by the DWC in collaboration with IUCN-SL (through a consultative process with all stakeholders). TCP (details to be given) What existing action plans are being considered as possible models? Sri Lanka have developed their own action plan in this regard, which will be published in 2005 by the DWC For which specific local management issues is international cooperation considered necessary? (List them) This will be addressed in the National Marine Turtle Conservation Action Plan wich will be finalised and published in 2005 by the DWC in collaboration with IUCN-SL (through a consultative process with all stakeholders). TCP (details to be given) Are the national, sub-regional and regional action plans in which your country is involved subject to regular review? The first draft of NMTCAP developed in 1999 is being reviewed in 2004 & 2005 in collaboration of relevant stakeholders. 5.3 Cooperation and information exchange Identify what you consider to be useful existing (or potentially useful) mechanisms for cooperation in relation to marine turtle conservation and management at the sub-regional level. What initiatives has your country taken to try to strengthen these mechanisms? Develop and update a national turtle database with possibility to link with a regional database. A symposium to exchange ideas and knowledge on marine turtle conservation in the region. A turtle tagging programme covering the whole region, in order to understand their migration, biology and ecology. Student exchange programmes between regional universities and conservation organizations Does your country have or contribute to any web-sites or newsletters to facilitate networking and information exchange? If yes, give details. Websites of DWC, TCP, NARA, Coast Conservation Department, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Sri Lanka Customs, IUCN-SL. News letters of

13 Page 13 of What material can your country contribute to the development of a web-based information resource for marine turtle conservation? (now available at Data on marine turtle populations Nesting data Migration data Information on projects Other (list): Data Has your country contributed names to the directory of experts and organizations concerned with marine turtle conservation? Has your country developed, or is it participating in, any networks for cooperative management of shared populations? If yes, give details. NARA Member of the IOTC (Indian Ocean Tuna Conservation) - mandate to manage Indian Ocean large palagic resources including tuna, billfish, seerfish, marine mammals and turtles Has your country cooperated in the establishment of any transboundary marine protected areas? If yes, give details What has your country done to encourage other MoU signatory States to join CMS? Nothing What has your country done to encourage other MoU signatory States to join global fisheries agreements? Nothing What steps has your country taken to secure data on incidental capture and to encourage them to adopt marine turtle conservation measures within EEZs and on the high seas? No steps are being taken than legislation. 5.4 Capacity-building What capacity-building needs does your country have in terms of human resources, knowledge and facilities? Sharing knowledge on biology, ecology & effective conservation practices on Turtles in the region. Technical & financial support for turtle research, participatory conservation mechanisms and local level capacity building programmes. Technical support in developing a national database and a data exchange programme Describe any training provided in marine turtle conservation and management techniques (e.g. workshops held, training manuals produced etc.) Included turtle conservation and managements techniques to the training currriculum at National Wildlife Training Center of DWC to train the all type of

14 Page 14 of 17 departments officials and also trained volunters for turtle conservation How have training programmes, workshops etc. been coordinated nationally and regionally (in order to avoid duplication of effort and to achieve economies of scale)? Coordination by the DWC In relation to capacity-building, describe any partnerships developed with universities, research institutions, training bodies and other relevant organisations Under sponsorship of SARC country annually the DWC send officers to WII India to complete wildlife diploma courses. 5.5 Enforcement of conservation legislation Has your country conducted a review of policies and laws to address any gaps or impediments in relation to marine turtle conservation? If not, indicate any impediments encountered in this regard and when this review is expected to be done Have any problems been encountered in relation to cooperation in law enforcement to ensure compatible application of laws across and between jurisdictions? If yes, please give details. OBJECTIVE VI: PROMOTE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MOU, INCLUDING THE CMP 6.1 MoU membership and activities What has your country done to encourage other States to sign the MoU? Nothing List any sub-regional workshops held which provided an opportunity to raise awareness of the MoU. None Is your country favourable towards amending the MoU in the future with a view to making it a legally-binding instrument? 6.2 Secretariat and Advisory Committee What has your country done to secure reliable sources of funding to support the MoU secretariat and implementation of the MoU?

15 Page 15 of 17 Nothing Has your country nominated candidates to serve on the Advisory Committee? 6.3 Resources to support implementation of the MoU From your country's perspective, which conservation and management activities ought to be among the highest priorities for funding (list up to 10 activities from the CMP) In-situ nest protection programmes involving community participation. Tagging programmes for monitoring Sri Lankan Turtle population. Establishment and operation of a dedicated unit for turtle conservation under the DWC. Development of a national database on Marine Turtles. Training on turtle biology, ecology and conservation for DWC officials and relevent partners. Information exchange and regional cooperation on turtle conservation. Research activities on turtle conservation spesely at Rekawa,Bundala and Yale Has your country explored options for funding of marine turtle conservation activities with other Governments and donor organizations? If yes, give details of the approaches made (successful or unsuccessful) GEF funding for the project on Conservation of Biodiversity through integrated collaborative management in the Rekawa Ussangoda and Kalametiya coastal ecosystems with a Turtle conservation component Successful approach. To be filled - by TCP for their projects Has any funding and other contributions been solicited from industries impacting marine turtles and their habitats? If yes, give details of the approaches made (successful or unsuccessful) Describe any initiatives made to explore the use of economic instruments for the conservation of marine turtles and their habitats. None Have the private sector, foundations and NGOs been approached to catalyse the creation of a small grants fund? Describe any managed ecotourism or other projects that have generated funding for conservation and management activities. None.

16 Page 16 of In what way has your country promoted synergies with other regional/global convention secretariats? None Has your country explored (and secured) international funding support or other incentives for effectively managing marine turtle populations? To be filled - by TCP. 6.4 Coordination among government and non-government sectors Has your country conducted a review of the roles and responsibilities of government agencies related to the conservation and management of marine turtles and the habitats? If not, indicate any impediments encountered in this regard and when this review is expected to be done. Overlapping responsibilities, and policies. Working as individual bodies. Lack of collaboration and national level coordinating agency for Turtle conservation Has your country designated a lead agency responsible for coordinating national marine turtle conservation and management policy. If not, when is this information expected to be communicated to the MoU secretariat? Identified Department of Wildlife Conservation as the lead agency in the National Marine Turtle Conservation Action Plan. The plan will be finalised and published by mid Describe any initiatives that have been undertaken to encourage cooperation within and among government and non-government sectors (e.g. development of national networks, formation of steering committees etc.) 'National Turtle Conservation Steering Committee' to be established under the National Marine Turtle Conservation ACtion Plan will be established in mid (Exact details to be updated by DWC) National Level Steering Committee on the RUK Turtle Conservation Project with representatives from the DWC, TCP, Coast Conservation Department (CCD), NARA, Marine Pollution Prevention Authority (MPPA), and Department of Customs. The committee also takes decisions on national level turtle conservation action, where appropriate in addition to steering the above project. Other remarks Please provide any comments/suggestions to improve the present reporting format. Additional information / remarks:

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