Apologies for this late notice. As always, do what you can.
National Fisheries Marine Service is considering action to close a loophole in regulations that currently lead to the drowning deaths of thousands of turtles, and other sea wildlife, a year. You can “sign” and submit a petition encouraging the Service to require Turtle Excluder Devices (TED) in ALL shrimp nets.
- Researchers estimate 28,000 sea turtles are caught in unregulated shallow-water “skimmer trawl” shrimp nets each year; 6,000 drown; 1
- TEDs and other by-catch reduction methods have reduced sea turtle deaths 90% since 1990; 2
- Installed and used correctly, TEDs reduce sea turtle by-catch 97%; 3
- Closing the loophole on skimmer trawls will help save thousands of sea turtles each year.
“Freedom! Freedom!“
Sea turtle escaping a TED
photo courtesy of: Wikimedia CC
Go here to see Sea Turtle Restoration Project’s petition. It takes a minute or less. Here is a link to replace it or add a personal note.
Thanks!