Coral reef and seagrass degradation, oil spills, chemical waste, persistent plastic and other marine debris, high density coastal development, and an increase in ocean-based tourism have damaged or eliminated nesting beaches and feeding areas. International trade has also played a role. In the two decades between 1970 and 1989, for example, more than a quarter million hawksbill turtles were killed to service the shell trade with Japan. Population declines and local extinctions are often due to a combination of factors, both domestic and foreign. Population recovery is complicated.
Threats accumulate over long periods of time and can occur anywhere in a population's range.
Thus, while local conservation is crucial, co-operative action is also called for at the regional level. This relationship ensures that local concerns and expertise are linked to international decision-making. The Protocol calls upon Parties to engage in population recovery activities that benefit endangered species under their jurisdiction and, with certain exceptions for traditional use, to fully protect species included on Annex II, including all species of sea turtle. The direct involvement of resident scientists, conservationists, enforcement officers, policy-makers, fishermen, teachers and others in the development of the action plan results in an informed advocacy body that, ideally, will promote implementation of the action plan. Further, it can only be effective to the extent that the actions implemented are scientifically sound and tailored to local circumstances.