The Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation and Management of Marine Turtles and their Habitats of the Indian Ocean and South-East Asia (IOSEA Marine Turtles MOU) was established under the auspices of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (UNEP/CMS). Through its Conservation and Management Plan (CMP) the MOU has put in place a framework through which states of the Indian Ocean and South-East Asian region, as well as other Range States, can work together to conserve and replenish depleted marine turtle populations in the region.
Major threats to marine turtles in the IOSEA region include unsustainable exploitation for consumption and trade of meat and eggs, as well as of shell for ornamental purposes; destruction of nesting beaches and feeding habitats such as mangroves, seagrass beds and coral reefs; and incidental mortality in fishing operations (Bycatches). Other threats to marine turtles include: climate change, artificial light pollution associated with coastal development, marine pollution (especially plastic), abandoned fishing nets, inappropriate beach management strategies, and natural predation by feral animals.
The CMP which has 6 objectives and 105 specific activities serves as a comprehensive blueprint of what needs to be done to conserve marine turtles of the Indian Ocean. It focuses on reducing threats, conserving critical habitats, exchanging scientific data, increasing public awareness and participation, promoting regional cooperation, and seeking resources for implementation.
The MOU has identified five highest priority issues for IOSEA to address in the immediate future: (1) investigation of illegal direct take of marine turtles; (2) identification of index beaches associated with genetic stocks; (3) capacity-building in support of Signatory State efforts; (4) investigation of indirect take in legal fisheries; and (5) socio-economic considerations of relevance to marine turtle conservation. The IOSEA MOU has adopted resolution to promote the use of Marine Turtle Bycatch Reduction Measures by Signatory States.

The IOSEA Marine Turtle MOU is committed to achieving the objectives in its CMP which will contribute enormously to the implementation of SDG14. Its current projects include the extension of an ongoing Technical Support & Capacity-Building Programme, a review of studies and activities related to the socio-economic implications of marine turtle use and conservation, as well as an investigation on the illegal trade of marine turtles in the IOSEA region.
Additional, the OSEA Marine Turtle MoU, has developed a Network of Sites of Importance to promote the long-term conservation of sites of regional and global importance to marine turtles and their habitats in the region. This network serves as a mechanism for sites to operate more cooperatively and synergistically, both ecologically and administratively, rather than working in isolation with minimal coordination.
The IOSEA Marine Turtle MOU is playing an important role in contributing to the implementation of SDG14 and has developed a well-coordinated network of interested actors, delivering a comprehensive programme of necessary interventions, and providing an inclusive forum for regular review of implementation progress.