Much of my current work with the Blue Corridors for Turtles project is focused on supporting a process to designate Important Marine Turtle Areas (IMTAs). If you are wondering what IMTAs are, the brief version is they are a map-based tool to help guide policy and management to focus on the areas science shows are the most important for sea turtles. For the long version, have a look at the “IMTA Guidelines” published by the IUCN-SSC Marine Turtle Specialist group, or check out similar tools already in existence for marine mammals (Important Marine Mammal Areas) and sharks, rays, and chimaeras (Important Shark and Ray Areas).
To maximize the usefulness of IMTAs, and help ensure they “move the needle” for sea turtle conservation, decisionmakers and managers like governments need to know about them and look to them for guidance. With that in mind, I am excited to share the news that the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) has officially recognized IMTAs within resolutions passed at the 15th conference of parties in Campo Grande, Brazil (March 2026). This means that signatory governments are aware of IMTAs and encouraged to support and utilize them. See this page for the focal resolution passed, and/or review documents for the full 15th session here. Blue Corridors for Turtles played a big part in making this happen.
Next step: designate some IMTAs! More coming soon in this area in late 2026.