Artikel VIII

1. At their first meeting, the Parties shall establish a Scientific Committee which shall be comprised of representatives designated by the Parties and which shall meet, preferably, prior to the meetings of the Consultative Committee.
2. The functions of the Scientific Committee shall be to:
a) Examine and, as appropriate, conduct research on sea turtles covered by this Convention, including research on their biology and population dynamics;
b) Evaluate the environmental impact on sea turtles and their habitats of activities such as fishing operations and the exploitation of marine resources, coastal development, dredging, pollution, clogging of estuaries and reef deterioration, among other things, as well as the potential impact of activities undertaken as a result of exceptions to the measures allowed in accordance with this Convention;
c) Analyze relevant research conducted by the Parties;
d) Formulate recommendations for the protection and conservation of sea turtles and their habitats;
e) Make recommendations on scientific and technical matters at the request of any Party regarding specific matters related to this Convention;
f) Perform such other scientific functions as the Parties may assign.