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During the Plenary Session on the 3rd March, each of the nine resolutions was presented by its sponsor, and after discussion, voted upon. All resolutions were approved, numbers 2000-2 through 2000-7 and 2000-9 passed unanimously. Resolutions 2000-6 and 2000-7 had been previously endorsed by the VII Latin American Reunion of Sea Turtle Specialists, and the former was also endorsed by WIDECAST. There was discussion on Resolutions 2000-1, and 2000-8, and friendly amendments to Resolutions 2000-4, 2000-5, and 2000-9.

In addition, a resolution was proposed from the floor, and given the extenuating circumstances and importance of the issue, it was permitted and passed. With this final resolution, 2000-11, a total of eleven proposals were presented, of which ten were approved.

The following is a compilation of the resolutions that were approved by the Symposium Membership. They are submitted for publication in the Marine Turtle Newsletter at the invitation of the editors.

Symposium Resolution 2000-1 Resolution on Hawksbill Sea Turtles and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
Whereas in 1999 two proposals were presented to the CITES Secretariat to downlist hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) encountered in Cuban waters from Appendix I (where international trade is banned) to Appendix II (where international trade is permitted), for the purpose of re-opening international commercial trade in hawksbill products, namely tortoise shell;
Whereas these proposals will be voted upon at the next CITES Conference of Parties in April, 2000 in Nairobi, Kenya;
Whereas in 1975 and 1977, respectively, the Atlantic and later the Pacific populations of hawksbill sea turtles were listed in Appendix I of CITES;
Whereas in 1996 the IUCN reclassified the hawksbill sea turtle from Endangered to Critically Endangered on the international Red List of Threatened Animals;
Whereas during the 1997 CITES Conference of the Parties in Harare, Zimbabwe, the IUCN reclassification was challenged;
Whereas in 1999 the IUCN/SSC Marine Turtle Specialist Group reviewed the reclassification and concluded that the hawksbill sea turtle does meet the IUCN Red List criteria for a Critically Endangered species on the basis of global population declines of 80% or more during the last three generations (105 years) and projected declines over the next three generations;
Whereas the Justification for the reclassification (Published in the peer-reviewed Journal, Chelonian Conservation and Biology) concurs with the conclusion of a global review sponsored by CITES of the status of hawksbills (Groombridge and Luxmoore 1989) that hawksbill populations are depleted or declining in 56 of 65 geopolitical units for which some information on nesting density was available;
Whereas the Justification for the reclassification reports hawksbill populations to be depleted or declining in 22 of 26 geopolitical units in the Caribbean Region, for which some status and trend information is available;
Whereas only five regional populations remain with more than 1000 females nesting annually (Seychelles, Mexico, Indonesia and two in Australia);
Whereas overexploitation, habitat destruction and illegal trade are the major causes of reported population declines;
Whereas international trade has been identified as the principal cause for the endangered status of the hawksbill;
Whereas there is no indication that serious and pervasive threats to coral reefs and other critical habitat in the Caribbean Region have been reduced;
Whereas hawksbills on foraging grounds in Cuba have been shown by genetic studies to be derived in many cases from nesting beaches elsewhere in the Caribbean, and harvest in Cuba is therefore likely to undermine the conservation efforts of those countries; and
Whereas the hawksbill sea turtle still meets the CITES biological criteria for inclusion in CITES Appendix I (see Annex 1);

It is resolved by this Symposium that:
The hawksbill sea turtle is a Critically Endangered species which has lost more than 80% of its population worldwide;
The hawksbill population is depleted or declining in the great majority of the geopolitical units in the Caribbean region;
The hawksbill sea turtle meets the criteria for inclusion in CITES Appendix I;
Re-opening international commercial trade in hawksbill products may threaten the recovery of depleted or declining populations of hawksbills worldwide, by encouraging stockpiling of products in the hope of selling them legally or illegally in the future; and
The CITES Secretariat be asked to distribute this resolution to all CITES Parties.

Annex 1: CITES Biological Criteria for Appendix I
A species is considered to be threatened with extinction if it meets, or is likely to meet, at least one of the following criteria:
A. The wild population is small, and is characterized by at least one of the following:
i) an observed, inferred or projected decline in the number of individuals or the area and quality of habitat; or
ii) each sub-population being very small; or
iii) a majority of individuals, during one or more life-history phases, being concentrated in one sub-population; or
iv) large short-term fluctuations in the number of individuals; or
v) a high vulnerability due to the species’ biology or behaviour (including migration).
B. The wild population has a restricted area of distribution and is characterized by at least one of the following:
i) fragmentation or occurrence at very few locations; or
ii) large fluctuations in the area of distribution or the number of sub-populations; or
iii) a high vulnerability due to the species’ biology or behaviour (including migration); or
iv) an observed, inferred or projected decrease in any one of the following:
- the area of distribution; or
- the number of sub-populations; or
- the number of individuals; or
- the area or quality of habitat; or
- reproductive potential.
C. A decline in the number of individuals in the wild, which has been either:
i) observed as ongoing or as having occurred in the past (but with a potential to resume) ; or
ii) inferred or projected on the basis of any one of the following:
-a decrease in area or quality of habitat; or
-levels or patterns of exploitation; or
-threats from extrinsic factors such as the effects of pathogens, competitors, parasites, predators, hybridization, introduced species and the effects of toxins and pollutants; or
-decreasing reproductive potential.
D. The status of the species is such that if the species is not included in Appendix I, it is likely to satisfy one or more of the above criteria within a period of five years.

Symposium Resolution 2000-2 Resolution on the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge
Whereas the beaches of the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge host the second most significant nesting area for loggerhead sea turtles in the world, one of the most significant nesting areas for green sea turtles in North America, and an increasingly important nesting area for the leatherback sea turtle;
Whereas the Carr Refuge, 10 years after its designation by Congress, is still only about 60 % complete, and beachfront lands within the refuge are rapidly being sold for development;
Whereas the Carr Refuge was established to provide protection for the highest concentration of sea turtle nests in the United States;
Whereas local and state governments and private foundations have provided more than $80 million for the acquisition of land in and around the Carr Refuge and the Federal Government has only contributed $10.8 million thus far and;
Whereas the Congress has failed for 2 years in a row to provide any additional funding for land acquisition within the Carr Refuge;

Therefore be it resolved that the 20th Annual Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation;
urges the US Congress to appropriate at least $6 million, as requested in the President’s FY 2001 budget, toward acquisition of land for the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge.

Symposium Resolution 2000-3 Resolution on the Need to Assess the Magnitude of and Reduce the Incidental Capture of Marine Turtles by Pelagic Longline Fisheries Worldwide
Whereas commercial pelagic longline fisheries occur in oceans worldwide;
Whereas a significant increase of pelagic longline fisheries has occurred since the 1993 United Nations moratorium on pelagic drift nets;
Whereas the pelagic longline fishing technique consists of a continuous mainline supported by float lines, with regularly spaced leaders each of which end with baited hooks;
Whereas each mainline is hundreds of meters long, with thousands of baited hooks which may be set at shallow, mid- water and deep depths, across large marine areas where fish and other marine wildlife aggregate, notably between currents along frontal zones;
Whereas billions of hooks are currently being used to fish the world’s oceans;
Whereas pelagic longline fishing has been scientifically shown to be a fishing technique capable of causing the destruction of commercially valuable fish as well as non-target fishes, birds, sharks, marine turtles and marine mammals;
Whereas marine turtles occur in oceans worldwide, are often aggregated between currents along frontal zones where commercial fisheries operate,
Whereas marine turtles disperse and migrate over vast distances, and thus are shared resources among many nations;
Whereas all marine turtles are at severe risk of extinction;
Whereas each year an estimated tens of thousands of marine turtles are captured worldwide in the lines of and or by the hooks of pelagic longlines and this number has not been adequately quantified;
Whereas the incidental capture of marine turtles by pelagic longlines routinely results in injury and or death to each turtle hooked or entangled;
Whereas the incidental capture of marine turtles by pelagic longline fisheries is impeding the recovery of marine turtle populations worldwide, has contributed significantly to the decline and near extinction of several populations, and thus undermines the decades-long conservation efforts undertaken by many nations;
Whereas no gear/technological solution currently exists to mitigate the incidental capture of marine turtles by pelagic longline fisheries;
Whereas in 1999 the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) Committee on Fisheries (COFI) recognized the adverse impact of pelagic longline fishing on seabirds worldwide and in an effort to significantly reduce the incidental capture of seabirds in longline fisheries worldwide, developed the International Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries (IPOA-Seabirds);
Whereas each member nation of COFI has agreed to develop a National Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries (NPOA-Seabirds) that will require mitigation measures to decrease the incidental catch seabirds;
Whereas some mitigation measures proposed to reduce seabird catch in longline fisheries might possibly increase marine turtle-longline fishery interactions;

Now, therefore, be it Resolved by this Symposium that,
1.Within the next year, the United States Department of State, National Marine Fisheries Service, and Fish and Wildlife Service should take the lead, in collaboration with other interested nations and organizations, to assess the magnitude of the incidental catch of marine turtles in pelagic longline fisheries worldwide.
2. Within the next year, the United States Department of State, National Marine Fisheries Service, and Fish and Wildlife Service should take the lead, in collaboration with other interested nations and organizations, to develop, organize and host a meeting to discuss multilateral agreements to mitigate the incidental catch of marine turtles in pelagic longline fisheries worldwide.
3. The FAO-COFI and all nations, particularly those that are developing a NPOA-Seabirds, should be advised that the incidental capture of marine turtles by longline fisheries is a serious threat to their long-term survival in our world’s oceans and thus technological solutions proposed to reduce the incidental capture of seabirds in longline fisheries must not increase marine turtle-longline fishery interactions.
4. The FAO-COFI should immediately consider developing an International Plan of Action for Reducing Incidental Catch of Marine Turtles in Longline Fisheries, fully integrated with similar initiatives focused on other species, such as the IPOA-Seabirds.

Symposium Resolution 2000-4 Resolution on the Urgent Need to Reduce Trawling Related Mortality of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles on the Orissa Coast, India – March 2000
Considering that unregulated mechanised trawl and gill net fishing has resulted in large-scale annual mortality of olive ridley sea turtles with more than 50,000 dead turtles counted along the Orissa coast in the past five years; and
Considering that nearly 10,000 dead turtles have been counted during the 1999-2000 season despite repeated assurances by the state government that there would be adequate patrolling of coastal waters and enforcement of existing laws for the prevention of turtle mortality; and
Considering that the number counted dead on the beach are only those turtles washed ashore and the total mortality is most likely to be much higher; and
Considering that mechanised fishing has also adversely affected the traditional and small scale fishing communities on the coast of Orissa, leading to statewide protests by these fisherfolk against mechanised fishing; and
Considering that there exists legislation, the Orissa Marine Fisheries Regulation Act (1982) and Rules (1983), which bans all mechanised fishing within 5 km of the coastline; and
Considering that no mechanised fishing is allowed within 20 km of the Gahirmatha coastline, which was declared a marine sanctuary by the Orissa Government in 1997; and
Considering that both the above laws are flagrantly violated by mechanised trawlers, due to the total lack off, or t best, poor enforcement and patrolling by the concerned government agencies; and
Considering that none of the mechanised trawlers operating in Orissa’s coastal waters are using Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) and thus continue to flagrantly violate the provisions of the Orissa Marine Fisheries Regulation Act, 1982 and the directions issued on 14.5.98 by the Hon’ble Court of Orissa in OJC No. 3128/ 94 (WWF India Vs. State of Orissa and Ors); and
Considering the fact that the olive ridley sea turtle enjoys the highest level of protection under the Indian wildlife laws since it is protected under Schedule I to the Wildife Protection Act, 1972 as well as is listed under Appendix I to the CITES; and
Considering that, since 1983, there have been recommendations by leading Indian scientists, environmentalists, and government officials, as well as non-Indian experts for mechanized trawlers in Orissa to use TEDs;
It is hereby resolved that the Members of the 20th Annual Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation;
Entreat the Forest Department, Fisheries Department and Coast Guard to work together in Orissa to strictly enforce the ban on mechanised fishing within the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary and the 5 km nearshore fishing ban, both of which would drastically reduce sea turtle mortalities with immediate effect; and;
Request the Fisheries Department of Orissa to evolve a plan to ensure the use of TEDs by mechanised trawlers in Orissa coastal waters by no later than 2002; and;
Request the Fisheries Department of Orissa to safeguard the livelihood of the traditional country fishermen by enforcing the provisions of the Orissa Marine Fisheries Regulation Act, 1982 and rules framed thereunder which bans off shore mechanized fishing for a distance of 5 kms from the coast;
Strongly recommend that effective long term conservation strategies should involve all stakeholders including the Forest and Fisheries Department of the Government of Orissa, Non Governmental Organizations, Research Institutions and most importantly, the traditional coastal fishing communities, whose support and involvement would be crucial to the survival of the olive ridley and its marine habitat in Orissa.

Symposium Resolution 2000-5 Resolution on the Urgent Need to Review Coastal Development Plans in Order to Conserve Olive Ridley Sea Turtles as well as Critical Nesting Habitat for the Turtles and Other Endangered Species on the Orissa Coast, India– March 2000
Considering that the proposed construction of a large all weather, deep water, modern bulk terminal port at Dhamra threatens the Gahirmatha olive ridley sea turtle rookery, the largest in the world, with over 200,000 turtles nesting in 1999; and
Considering that the port will have a 550 m berth length and will occupy a total of 900 acres, and is merely 10 km north of the nesting beach at Gahirmatha; and
Considering that the 62.5 km rail corridor to Bhadrak - 200 metres wide, and including a railway, a highway and land development - will occupy 3000 acres, and is adjacent to the Bhitarkanika Wildlfe Sanctuary; and
Considering that this port will cater to bulk cargo such as coking coal and iron ore and the ultimate capacity will be 25,000 tonnes per annum; and
Considering that the project proposal has only been cleared by the Ministry of Surface Transport and NOT by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, due to a loophole in the Coastal Regulation Zone rules; and
Considering that the proposed off-shore crude oil terminal at Kantiagoda threatens the mass nesting ground at Rushikulya, which is the second largest in Orissa with 60,000 turtles nesting in 1996; and
Considering that the terminal has a capacity of 18 million metric ton per annum for giant oil tankers from the Gulf and other oil producing countries; and
Considering that the pipelines will be connected to Kantiagada village, which is virtually on top of the Rushikulya turtle mass nesting site; and
Considering that the Environmental Impact Assessment Report [interim], which was prepared by the National Institute of Oceanography of Goa, has not adequately addressed the presence of turtles in the area and has also ignored the fact that the seacoast off Rushikulya is a proposed marine sanctuary which is awaiting government notification; and
Considering that the report actually states that “sensitive and fragile ecosystems…are absent in the project area”, and briefly mentions the potential for crude oil spills: “in very rare events of tanker accidents or subsea pipeline rupture, large spill may occur”; and
Considering that the oil spill from a similar Single Buoy Mooring in Gujarat in 1999 has resulted in substantial damage to marine life and to marine ecosystems in the area: and
Considering that the mass nesting beaches at Rushikulya, where more than 60,000 turtles nested in 1996, enjoys no legal protection so far;

It is hereby resolved that the Members of the 20th Annual Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation:
Request the Government of India to review the Dhamra port project, subject the proposal to objective Environmental Impact Assessment and have the proposal passed through the proper channels of the Ministry of Environment and Forests; and
Request that since other sites for the construction of the port have been identified, these sites are objectively considered and evaluated as alternatives; and
Request the Government of India to reassess the Crude Oil Terminal at Rushikulya which threatens one of the most important nesting beaches of olive ridleys in Orissa.

Symposium Resolution 2000-6 Resolution Regarding the Incidental Capture of Sea Turtles in Fisheries Operations
The assembled members of the 20th Annual Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation are concerned about the incidental capture of sea turtles and other marine species during fisheries operations.
Recognizing that sea turtle populations have declined globally in recent decades due to factors such as destruction and alteration of their habitats, over exploitation of their eggs and the killing of adult turtles.
Considering that in spite of the efforts of national and international agencies, government, and NGO’s in protecting nesting beaches, these populations continue to decline. It has been determined that fisheries activities with long-lining, gill nets, drift nets and trawlers are one of the principal factors of mortality for sea turtles.
Recognizing that it is of vital importance to investigate the extent of these fisheries operations in contributing to sea turtle mortality and the decline of these populations.
Recognizing that adequate technologies have been adopted for certain fisheries activities and have demonstrated that they reduce the mortality of sea turtles and other threatened marine species; however, these are not adequately implemented.
Recognizing that it is necessary to know the composition of the fauna which are incidentally captured in these fisheries in order to formulate an effective recovery and strategic management of sea turtles, according to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, the Inter-American Convention for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles, and the Kyoto Declaration and Plan of Action and others.

This international community of sea turtle specialists and conservationists urge the governments and fisheries organizations to adopt the following actions to prevent this continual decline of sea turtles present in each of our countries:
(i) Implement the use of adequate technologies which have been proven to reduce the capture and mortality of sea turtles in fisheries operations;
(ii) Follow the existing laws and regulations regarding these various technologies;
(iii) Increase the collection and distribution of information to evaluate the impact that incidental capture has on sea turtles and other threatened species captured in fisheries operations;
(iv) Implement and strengthen research programs focused on evaluating incidental capture;
(v) To prevent the expansion of fisheries activities until more research has been conducted regarding the specific effects of these fisheries on sea turtles and other marine species;
(vi) We congratulate those nations who have adopted the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and urge those nations who have not adopted it to do so.

Symposium Resolution 2000-7 Resolution on The Inter-American Convention for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles
Recognizing that all sea turtle species of the Americas are considered to be in danger of extinction;
Recognizing that all sea turtle species have complex life cycles and that some of them require decades to reach maturity;
Recognizing that all sea turtle species migrate and disperse through the territorial jurisdictions of many sovereign states, as well on the high seas;
Considering that the Inter-American Convention for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles is a unique international instrument that provides the necessary legal tools to protect marine turtles and the habitats upon which they depend;
Considering that the Reunion of Latin American Sea Turtle Specialists has resolved consecutively each year since 1996 to support the Inter-American Convention for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles;
Considering that since 1996, through the initiative of the Reunion of Latin American Sea Turtle Specialists, the Annual Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation has resolved each year to support the Inter-American Convention for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles;

The Members of the 20th Annual Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation resolve:
To congratulate the governments of all the countries as well as, all the organizations and people who have supported international collaboration in the management and conservation of marine turtles in the Western Hemisphere, and in particular;
To congratulate the governments of Peru and Brazil for having deposited their respective instruments of ratification for the Convention with the Government of the Depositary country, Venezuela; and
To congratulate the Legislative Assembly, as well as the Presidency of the government of Costa Rica for having approved the ratification of said Convention, and respectfully request that the Office of Foreign Affairs of the Costa Rican government complete the administrative steps necessary to deposit its instrument of ratification with the Depositary country, as soon as possible;
To congratulate the National Congress of the Republic of Honduras for having approved Decree No. 101-99 in which “each and every part of the Inter-American Convention for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles” is approved, and respectfully request the Government of the Republic of Honduras to facilitate the political as well as administrative steps to deposit their instrument of ratification as soon as possible;
To congratulate the Mexican Senate for having approved the ratification of the Convention, and respectfully request that the Presidency of the Republic and the Secretary of Foreign Affairs facilitate the political as well the administrative steps to deposit their instrument of ratification as soon as possible;
Request the congresses and governments of the other signatory countries (Belize, Ecuador, Netherlands, Nicaragua, United States of America, and Uruguay) that still have not ratified the Convention, to ratify it as soon as possible, given the need to have a minimum of eight ratifications so that the Convention enters into force;
Respectfully request the governments of Brazil and Peru to continue working through diplomatic channels to encourage the remaining countries of the region to ratify the Convention rapidly;
Respectfully request the Venezuelan government to continue providing regional leadership, encouraging each one of the signatory governments to advance the corresponding administrative and political steps and depositing their respective instruments of ratification as soon as possible.
Respectfully invite other governments of the Americas to initiate the necessary steps to accede to this convention as soon as it enters into force.

Symposium Resolution 2000-8 Resolution for Vieques Island, Puerto Rico
Whereas, Vieques Island is located east of Puerto Rico, and has been known to support habitats used by several species of sea turtle.
Whereas, the beaches of Vieques Island have been known as nesting habitats for Dermochelys coriacea, Eretmochelys imbricata, and Chelonia mydas.
Whereas the coastal shallow waters surrounding Vieques Island are composed of sea grass beds and coral reefs, which are feeding grounds and developmental habitats for Eretmochelys imbricata, and Chelonia mydas.
Whereas, since six (6) decades ago the US Navy has been using these habitats for military practices.
Whereas, the beaching of military vehicles on nesting habitats and live bombs are used on and off shore with targets on the beach and underwater.
Whereas, the military practices have polluted these habitats with uranium, and other contaminants.
Whereas, these activities are degrading critical habitat for these endangered species and will continue for at least three (3) years, if the Executive order of the President of the United States is implemented.

We, the participants of the 20th Annual Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation resolve:
that military practices should cease immediately and the proper authorities be urged to declare the occupied territories of Vieques a wildlife refuge, natural heritage area or protected area, following the Culebra Island solution after bombing ceased in 1975.

Symposium Resolution 2000-9 Resolution to Support the Development of an Indian Ocean – Asean Region Agreement for the Conservation of Marine Turtles
Whereas marine turtles represent unique and valuable resources to the peoples of many nations, for material, economic, cultural, spiritual and other reasons;
Considering that marine turtles migrate and disperse over vast distances, living within the territorial waters of many different sovereign states;
Recognizing that because of this characteristic, normal to their life history, these animals are shared resources between many nations;
Considering that many populations of marine turtles have been depleted, and that these species are recognized in international and national laws as endangered species, requiring special attention for conservation actions;
Aware of the urgent need for international collaboration in the conservation of marine turtles;
Considering that the Indian Ocean basin hosts all but one of the seven living species of marine turtles, with major populations of certain species, of world importance;
Recognizing that this same area has experienced massive declines of marine turtles during the past century;
Concerned that the threats to marine turtles and their habitats throughout this region are many and diverse;

The Members of the 20th Annual Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation hereby resolve to:
Congratulate the governments and organizations that supported and participated in the Consultation on Needs and Mechanisms for Regional Conservation and Management of Marine Turtles, held in Perth, Western Australia, from 19 to 22 October 1999;
Give special recognition to the Government of Australia for having hosted and organized this meeting;
Congratulate and thank the Government of Malaysia for its interest in hosting and organizing the next round of discussions towards an Indian Ocean and ASEAN Agreement for the Conservation of Marine Turtles;
Encourage all governments in the region, and other interested governments and organisations, to participate in and support this important initiative;
Request that inter-governmental agencies involved in the conservation and development of marine resources support the development of an Indian Ocean and ASEAN Agreement for the Conservation of Marine Turtles;
Request all the negotiating and consulting parties to develop an agreement that includes strong conservation measures to address the basic problems in marine turtle conservation, including coastal development, marine pollution, over-exploitation, and interactions with diverse fisheries;
Encourage the negotiating and consulting parties to develop multilateral mechanisms that encourage full compliance with the measures required for the conservation of marine turtles and their habitats.

Symposium Resolution 2000-11 Resolution for Conservation of Marine Turtles along the Atlantic Coast of West Africa
Aware that the populations of marine turtles frequenting the territorial waters and beaches of the Atlantic coast of Africa, from the Strait of Gibraltar to the Cape of Good Hope, including Macronesia, are seriously threatened;
Acknowledging the responsibility of the States for the conservation and wise management of marine turtle populations along the Atlantic coast of Africa;
Concerned by the harm caused to marine turtle populations along the coast of West Africa by the destruction of marine habitats, industrial fishing activities, trade, and other man-induced threats;

The members of the 20th Annual Symposium on the Biology and Conservation of Marine Turtles hereby resolve to:
Encourage the concerned States to continue their efforts to conserve marine turtles along the Atlantic coast of West Africa and to quickly sign the Memorandum of Abidjan proposed by the Bonn Convention on Migratory Species in May, 1999 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.