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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.

The declining marine turtle populations in Fiji has become a growing concern over recent years. Unlimited exploitation of marine turtles for both subsistence and traditional purposes have imposed a threat to these vulnerable turtle populations. Veitayaki (1995) explained that the use of marine turtles in traditional occasions is unlimited where the number of turtles exploited represents the success per catch per effort in a village setting. A few studies have illustrated the use of marine turtles in Fiji. According to Guinea (1993), a tortoise industry was thriving in Fiji in the early 1940s. In 1998, Fiji became a signatory country to the Convention on International Trading of Endangered Wild flora and fauna (CITES). Fiji later enforced the Endangered and Protected Species Act (1998) and a second Turtle Moratorium (2004 -2008) after the first from 1995 - 2000. In September 2009, a third Moratorium was endorsed and is in effect from 2009 - 2018. These policies and associated regulations contribute to the implementation of Fiji’s commitments to CITES at local level and further enhances the protection and conservation of marine turtles