a code for reporting
marine turtle sightings in the UK

Legislation

MARINE TURTLES ARE PROTECTED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

This means that:

• Turtles may not be deliberately killed or caught
• Live turtles may not be landed unless for the purpose of
tending them or enabling their subsequent release
• Dead turtles or shells obtained from turtles in UK
waters may not be possessed unless the animal was
lawfully acquired
• Turtles and their derivatives may not be sold or offered
for sale without UK government permission unless
they are antiques acquired before 1st June 1947 (with
documented proof)
• Turtles and their derivatives may not be imported or
exported without UK government permission

The following legislation pertains to marine turtles:
- Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981, as amended)
- Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations (1994)*
- Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Enforcement)
Regulations (1997)
- Council Regulation (EC) No. 338/97

* transposes EC Habitats Directive 1992 to domestic legislation

Marine Conservation SocietyThe Herpetological Conservation TrustSocttish Natural HeritageEnglish NatureEnvironment and Heritage ServiceCountryside Council for WalesMarine Turtle Research GroupMarine Environment MonitoringMEDASSET / EuroTurtle.orgThe Wildlife TrustsUniversity of Cork