CMS Marine Megafauna Week: Atlantic Coast of Africa

3^rd Meeting of Signatories of the Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Conservation Measures for Marine Turtles of the Atlantic Coast of Africa (Abidjan/Atlantic Turtle MOU)

(4-5 September 2023)

The Abidjan MOU was concluded under the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and became effective on 1 July 1999. The MOU covers coastal areas of 26 countries, extending some 14,000 km from Morocco to South Africa, including nesting sites, feeding areas and important migration corridors. The six species of marine turtles in the MOU area are estimated to have rapidly declined in numbers due to excessive exploitation (both direct and incidental) and the degradation of essential habitats.

The 3^rd Meeting of Signatories (MOS3) will consider up to date information on the conservation status of marine turtles across the region, discuss challenges and opportunities in the region and agree an updated Conservation and Management Plan.

Documents for this meeting will be made available here.

Consultations on a Conservation and Management Strategy for Sharks and Rays in the Gulf of Guinea Region

(2 hours, 5 September 2023)

A Conservation and Management Strategy for Sharks and Rays in the Gulf of Guinea region currently under development by the Manta Trust, in cooperation with the African Marine Mammal Conservation Organisation (AMMCO) and the Sharks MOU Advisory Committee, will be presented at this meeting. Range State representatives will be invited to take part in the development of the Strategy prior to the meeting and to discuss and endorse the final version at the meeting.

Range State Meeting for the Atlantic Humpback Dolphin

(6 September 2023)

A draft Single Species Action Plan (SSAP) for the Atlantic Humpback Dolphin (Sousa teuszii), developed and refined in a consultation process over several months, will be presented to CMS COP14 for adoption. This meeting will give a final opportunity for Range States to discuss the draft, and discuss any open questions. Deliberations are expected to result in a revision of the document that COP14 will consider for adoption.

Range State Meeting for the Action Plan to Address Aquatic Wild Meat Harvests in West Africa

(7 September 2023)

The Action Plan has been drafted by the CMS Aquatic Wild Meat Working Group as requested by COP13. The draft will be discussed in a series of online meetings taking place over three months (June to August 2023), enabling Range States to share experiences about aquatic wild meat harvests and drivers, and to negotiate the substantive detail of the Wild Meat Action Plan. This in-person meeting will give an opportunity for more direct and interactive exchange and finalization of the Action Plan to be presented to CMS COP14 for adoption.

Schedule Overview

Registration

Governments will be requested to nominate one representative to attend all meetings relevant for their country. Only one participant per eligible country will receive travel support. Please note that for MOS3 of the Atlantic Turtle MOU, a letter of credentials (sample available here) will be required.

Please register through this link. The meetings are open to participation by observers.

This table shows the relevance of each meeting for the Range States invited: