Signatory States

The MOU applies to the waters and coastal States of the Indian Ocean and South-East Asia and adjacent seas, extending eastwards to the Torres Strait. This agreement area is considered to cover 44 States. For implementation purposes, the area is divided into four sub-regions: South-East Asia (plus Australia, China, Japan, Republic of Korea and United States), Northern Indian Ocean, Northwestern Indian Ocean, and Western Indian Ocean.

36 countries are so far Signatories to the MOU (date of signature in brackets):

• Australia (23.06.2001)
• Bahrain (10.12.2006)
• Bangladesh (23.10.2003)
• Cambodia (12.12.2002)
• Comoros (23.06.2001)
• Egypt (17.02.2014)
• Eritrea (24.11.2005)
• France (05.12.2008)
• India (20.02.2007)
• Indonesia (31.03.2005)
• Islamic Republic of Iran (23.06.2001)
• Jordan (18.03.2004)
• Kenya (09.05.2002)
• Kuwait (27.06.2024)
• Madagascar (22.01.2003)
• Malaysia (19.09.2011)
• Maldives (26.04.2010)
• Mauritius (12.07.2002)
• Mozambique (05.12.2008)
• Myanmar (23.06.2001)
• Oman (16.03.2004)
• Pakistan (12.07.2004)
• Papua New Guinea (10.09.2010)
• Philippines (23.06.2001)
• Saudi Arabia (03.08.2005)
• Seychelles (22.01.2003)
• South Africa (22.02.2005)
• Sri Lanka (23.06.2001)
• Sudan (17.02.2014)
• Thailand (12.05.2004)
• United Arab Emirates (18.01.2007)
• United Kingdom (27.03.2002)
• United Republic of Tanzania (23.06.2001)
• United States of America (23.06.2001)
• Viet Nam (24.07.2001)
• Yemen (20.08.2008)

A list of Focal Points can be accessed here.

Countries that are not yet Signatories to the MOU but are interested in signing should please contact the Secretariat ([email protected]) for more information. Besides coastal States within the MOU area, in line with the preamble of the MOU this can also include "other States whose nationals or vessels conduct activities that may affect marine turtles of the Region, as well as States that may be in a position to contribute resources or expertise that may promote the implementation of this Memorandum of Understanding".