Valorisation des données de tortues marines en vue du développement d’indicateurs en appui aux politiques environnementales (DCSMM et Conventions des Mers Régionales). Rapport de la phase 1 (2019)

Sea turtles are listed in multiple European Directives (MSFD, Habitats Directive) and Regional Seas Conventions (OSPAR, Barcelona Convention). Five critera (four primary and one secondary criteria) are considered for the evaluation of Good Environmental status in the framwork of MSFD Descriptor 1 (Biodiversity). However, unlike for other marine species, the tools and knowledge required to evaluate the status of sea turtle populations within the different marine regions are currently largely lacking. To fill these gaps, France launched a 2-year national study, based on the consulation of international experts, in 2019. The goal of this study is to developp indicators for the evaluation of the Good Environment Status of sea turtle populations within the framework of the MSFD, in harmony with other environmental policies (Habitats Directive and Regional Seas Conventions). This report describes the methods employed during the first phase of the study (2019), preliminary results of the analyses based on data shared by international experts and members of the french stranding networks and reports on the discussions that occurred during the first expert workshop of November 25, 2019 organized by the MNHN. Approaches explored during the first phase of the study are promising and recommandations proposed by experts will be further examined in 2020.