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The conservation of marine turtles in Fiji is a sensitive issue as the species is considered a 'cultural icon' - one which is usually presented to add prestige to traditional ceremonies. Once a resource reserved for those of noble rank, and to be caught only by traditional fishermen, the advent of modern fishing technology, inter alia, has hastened the decline of this species in local waters. Fiji continues to be committed to the conservation of these animals, through acts such as the 10 year Moratorium (2009 - 2018) that protects turtles nationally and being a signatory to international conventions such as the CBD.