Achievements and challenges of marine turtle conservation in Cuba

Abstract

Marine turtle populations have become seriously depleted throughout the world as a result of factors such as overharvesting and habitat degradation. Conservation efforts in Cuba have led to important achievements, with several species increasing in population. However, illegal capture continues, the black-market trade in marine turtle products is increasing, and new threats are being identified. Here, we: identify and assess threats and challenges to sea turtle conservation in Cuba; evaluate the management, monitoring, and protection capacity to address specific threats; and summarize achievements, drawbacks, and challenges over the last 6 yrs. Fourteen threats to nesting populations of marine turtles in Cuba were identified, with illegal fishing and poaching in nesting areas being the most critical. Management and enforcement in protected areas are uneven, and as a result, some nesting areas have benefited from marine turtle conservation, but others remain seriously threatened.