Turtles Threatened By Federal Permit That Would Help NC Fishermen

NBC 17 News ^ | 07/05/05 | AP

[GreenFreeper]

WILMINGTON, N.C. -- Gill net fishermen in Pamlico Sound could kill up to 100 threatened and endangered sea turtles every year through 2010 under a federal permit sought by the state.

The permit also would allow up to 320 additional turtles to be caught and released during each September-to-December flounder fishing season.

The proposal has outraged environmentalists and drawn criticism from some federal and state officials. They note that the Army Corps of Engineers isn't allowed to harm a third of that number of turtles for its dredging operations across the whole Southeast.

The state Division of Marine Fisheries believes the proposed management plan balances the needs of the turtles with the livelihoods of the region's fishermen.

"It's a real tough balancing act," said fisheries biologist Blake Price. "But we think were doing everything we can do to maintain a lucrative, sustainable fishery and remain in compliance with federal law."

North Carolina's ocean and coastal waters are home to five species of sea turtles, all protected under federal and state law.

Three of the species -- Kemps ridley, leatherback and hawksbill -- are listed as endangered. Loggerhead and green sea turtles, the most common types found in Pamlico Sound, are listed as threatened.

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[GreenFreeper]

The environmentalists make it sound as if there will be a mandate to kill 100 turtles each year. The declines in sea turtles is largely attributed loss of nesting sites. From the reports, it appears that juvenile recruitment is strong.

Regardless, some neat turtles that deserve some form of protection!!

[GreenFreeper]

eco-ping

[HarleyLady27]

OHHH NOOOOO Rush's sea turtles are in danger....I wonder if they make those people turn off their lights at night like they have with Rush.....lolol

[GreenFreeper]

Light pollution can be damaging!

[Carry_Okie]

Sometimes I wish I could get the word "protection" out of your vocabulary.

[GreenFreeper]

Perhaps not the best choice of words but in this case i think its somewhat appropriate- we need to ensure they have nesting grounds and that those nesting grounds are productive. Protection comes in many forms- from private property owners not disturbing the turtles to park rangers making sure people don't trample nests.