AUTHOR=Girard Fanny , Girard Alexandre , Monsinjon Jonathan , Arcangeli Antonella , Belda Eduardo , Cardona Luis , Casale Paolo , Catteau Sidonie , David Léa , Dell’Amico Florence , Gambaiani Delphine , Girondot Marc , Jribi Imed , Lauriano Giancarlo , Luschi Paolo , March David , Mazaris Antonios D. , Miaud Claude , Palialexis Andreas , Sacchi Jacques , Sagarminaga Ricardo , Tepsich Paola , Tomás Jesús , Vandeperre Frederic , Claro Françoise TITLE=Toward a common approach for assessing the conservation status of marine turtle species within the european marine strategy framework directive JOURNAL=Frontiers in Marine Science VOLUME=9 YEAR=2022 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2022.790733 DOI=10.3389/fmars.2022.790733 ISSN=2296-7745 ABSTRACT=

Environmental policies, including the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), generally rely on the measurement of indicators to assess the good environmental status (GES) and ensure the protection of marine ecosystems. However, depending on available scientific knowledge and monitoring programs in place, quantitative GES assessments are not always feasible. This is specifically the case for marine turtle species, which are listed under the Biodiversity Descriptor of the MSFD. Relying on an expert consultation, the goal of this study was to develop indicators and a common assessment approach to be employed by European Union Member States to evaluate the status of marine turtle populations in the frame of the MSFD. A dedicated international expert group was created to explore and test potential assessment approaches, in coherence with other environmental policies (i.e. Habitats Directive, OSPAR and Barcelona Conventions). Following a series of workshops, the group provided recommendations for the GES assessment of marine turtles. In particular, indicators and assessment methods were defined, setting a solid basis for future MSFD assessments. Although knowledge gaps remain, data requirements identified in this study will guide future data collection initiatives and inform monitoring programs implemented by EU Member States. Overall this study highlights the value of international collaboration for the conservation of vulnerable species, such as marine turtles.