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Recognizing the importance of biological research in the implementation of management programs, this year’s main objective was to perform a diagnostic analysis of the situation of research programs in the region, identifying the problems that research faces in Latin America. Mechanisms were proposed for their solution, encouraging communication among individuals and institutions dedicated to sea turtle research.

The meeting was held in the Renaissance Miami Biscayne Bay hotel facilities, and had 75 participants from 15 countries, most of them currently participating in undergoing conservation projects in the region. It comprised four basic components: Guest Conferences given by renowned researchers (Alberto Abreu, Laura Sarti and Larry Crowder), synopsis of the current situation of sea turtle research in Latin American countries and group discussion. The group discussion was divided in the four sea turtle genera: Lepidochelys, Eretmochelys, Chelonia and Dermochelys, and debated about past experience in research and conservation for each group, enlisting a series of gaps in our knowledge. Each group then established lines of action for the future, which were presented and discussed during the plenary session. The results of the discussions are a valuable evaluation of the current status of sea turtle research projects in Latin America; thanks to the support of Earl Possardt and Jeff Seminoff, the results will be included for the first time in the Symposium’s Proceedings.

Although this year’s meeting addressed the specific subject of sea turtle research, some conservation issues were also considered. Cynthia Lagueaux presented one resolution, regarding the region of Pearl Keys in Nicaragua, which was discussed and supported. This resolution was subsequently presented and approved during the plenary session of the 22nd Symposium.

After considerable debate, the plenary of the meeting also decided that, being the Latin American Meeting part of the Annual Symposium, it will continue to occur two days before the symposium itself, in the same site. Therefore, the X Meeting of Latin American Sea Turtle Specialists will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and will be organized by Alejandro Fallabrino (Uruguay), Joca Thomé (Brazil), Héctor Barrios (Venezuela) and Anny Chaves (Costa Rica). Next year will bring an interesting twist to the meeting’s organization, but we are sure that despite the logistical difficulties, it will be a success.

The Organizing Committee gratefully acknowledges the support of Earl Possardt, President of the 22nd Symposium, the Symposium’s Travel Committee, David and Lucile Packard Foundation, US Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Also, we deeply thank Jack Frazier for having the strength and patience for guiding this Meeting through its first steps, towards what it has become today.