FUTURE PLAN FOR SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT IN CAMBODlA

Abstract

The Royal Government of Cambodia has ratified several international conventions and MoUs that involve sea turtle conservation and management. Sea turtles have been protected and conserved since 1997 after Cambodia became a CITES member. The results from present study indicate that some islands in Cambodia are the main habitat for sea turtles and they are caught accidentally by some fishing gears such as trawl net, hook and line, purse seines, gill nets and traps. In response to these issues, the Royal Government of Cambodia as well as the Department of Fisheries have set up programmes on the conservation and management of sea turtles and their habitats in Cambodia, which are implemented in collaboration with national and international donors for protecting and conserving sea turtles for the Cambodian new generation. The programmes are concerned with some aspects as : Research, Management, Education and Stakeholder participation.