International Environmental Law and Sea Turtles: Anatomy of the Legal Framework and Trade of Sea Turtles in the Lesser Antilles

Abstract

Of the seven extant species of sea turtles, five navigate the waters of the Caribbean Sea surrounding the Lesser Antilles. As migratory species at all life stages, sea turtles need a coherent and strong legal framework in order to ensure the survival of the species for present and future generations. In light of the ongoing Holocene mass extinction crisis, the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) conducted a comprehensive global assessment that presented alarming findings of unprecedented decline in global ecosystems and of rapid acceleration in extinction rates that threatens one million species. The current legal framework of international treaties implemented to protect these fragile species is fragmented and often ineffective due to deficient implementation and enforcement. Public health risks linked to the consumption of sea turtle parts and derivatives are also discussed in this article. Finally, this article offers recommendations for effectively monitoring sea turtle fisheries as to enhance an evolution toward more sustainable activities.