Background of the MTSG - Mediterranean Section

In 1998 the Marine Turtle Specialist Group recognized the need to concentrate more on regional collaborative efforts for conserving marine turtles. To meet this need, the MTSG, under the chairmanship of Alberto Abreu Grobois, incorporated a regional structure into its organization. Thus, Regional Sections, led by Regional Vice-Chairs, were gradually constituted. Most of these regional chairs originated from the members of the MTSG Executive Committee of the time. Regional Sections were tasked to identify key issues, focus MTSG actions on regional priorities and establish collaborations with key organizations and institutions at all levels. One of the first Regional Sections to be established, with originally about 20 members, was the one covering the Mediterranean Sea. This occurred in 1999 with Dimitris Margaritoulis designated as its Regional Vice-Chair.

A primary aim of this newly created section was to improve communication among its members, who until then were only loosely connected if not isolated from each other. Another step was to update and expand the membership to involve as many countries as possible, in order to have a better regional representation. A very important move was the creation of a regional listserv, MedTurtle, which has greatly assisted in bringing together turtle workers across Mediterranean. In addition to this, the so-called Mediterranean Meetings in the context of the Annual Sea Turtle Symposia, initiated in February 2001 in Philadelphia, were catalytic in creating and tightening bonds not only among MTSG members but also among many young people, some of whom subsequently have become members. These open meetings give the opportunity to discuss problems that turtles face at the nesting beaches and at sea, current and future projects, methodologies and techniques, and generally to exchange ideas, news and views on research and conservation issues concerning marine turtles in the region.

On a more practical side, the improved communications among researchers facilitated the design and implementation of regional projects which have produced some very interesting and significant findings.