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Tell Congress: Sea Turtles Need More Protection to Survive

The long term survival of sea turtles is in jeopardy because of destructive fishing practices, habitat degradation and climate change. All six species found in U.S. waters have spent the last three decades listed as “threatened” or “endangered” but signs of recovery are few and far between.

Urge your representatives to support new, comprehensive protections for sea turtles that will work on the land and at sea. The continued existence of sea turtles depends on it.

November 21, 2009

Subject:

Dear Member of Congress,

Sea turtles have been swimming the world’s oceans for more than 100 million years. They are truly indicator species for the health of the oceans. These majestic creatures also play an important role in the marine ecosystem and provide economic and cultural benefits to local communities in the United States and abroad.

Although all six species of sea turtles that swim in U.S. waters have been listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act for more than 30 years, many populations of sea turtles continue to decline.  Clearly, more specific and comprehensive protections are needed.

A variety of factors have led to the decline of sea turtle populations and the need for additional protections. Sea turtles are incidentally caught in fishing gear making commercial fishing one of the greatest causes of sea turtle mortality worldwide. Thousands of sea turtles are estimated to be killed in U.S. commercial fisheries alone every year. In addition to fishing gear, sea turtles face threats such as marine debris, global climate change, pollution and habitat degradation that all combine to jeopardize their very survival.

Sea turtles need stronger protections from threats like destructive fishing practices and habitat degradation and destruction. I urge you to take action to provide comprehensive protection for sea turtles, both in the water and on land. The continued existence of sea turtles depends on it.

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Tell Congress: Sea Turtles Need More Protection to Survive

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