CMS COP12 – Advancing towards a holistic conservation policy for marine species

Since its inception in 1979, the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) has produced many resolutions, recommendations and decisions that contribute to the overall goal of conserving species... [ view full abstract ]

Since its inception in 1979, the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) has produced many resolutions, recommendations and decisions that contribute to the overall goal of conserving species with an unfavourable conservation status and their habitats. Of course, threats and issues have changed over time, or are better understood today. The marine species-related outcomes of the 12^th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CMS (COP12), which took place in Manila, Philippines, 23-28 October 2017, address a wide range of issues. These range from ways to address long-standing problems such as bycatch to managing increasing threats such as recreational interactions from boats or in-water. The resolutions and decisions also mandate work on the emerging research field of animal culture and its implications for conservation. The authors outline key actions foreseen for governments, the CMS Scientific Council and the wider scientific community, civil society and the CMS Secretariat that are directly relevant for marine species, covering Important Marine Mammal Areas (IMMAs), marine noise, aquatic wild meat, live captures of cetaceans, in-water interactions, marine debris, climate change, connectivity, conservation implications of animal culture, bycatch, and boat-based wildlife watching. In addition, several species-/population-specific action plans and “concerted actions” were agreed by Parties, addressing the needs of cetaceans, sharks and marine turtles. Further, the role of different actors in bringing issues relevant to the conservation of wildlife to the attention of CMS is explored, both to support future decision making and to facilitate implementation of the agreed actions.