Make me proud TFO. Let's try to keep this from being a debate, ok?
I have counted on HerpDigest to help save sea turtles for many years. Now, we have a tremendous opportunity but only a few days left to get it done. We need to bring a lot of pressure on Governor Jindal within the next few days!
Louisiana waters are a very important migratory, developmental, and foraging habitat for five sea turtle species: Lepidochelys kempii (the most critically endangered of all), Dermochelys coriacea, Eretmochelys imbricata, Chelonia mydas, and Caretta caretta. The populations of all these species in the Gulf of Mexico have been significantly impacted and reduced from their 1800 levels by human activities. One of the current main sources of mortality is drowning in shrimp nets, as sea turtles are incapable of withstanding the extensive tow times during shrimping operations. In the mid 1980s a Federal law was passed, mandating shrimp vessels to install Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) during fishing operations. These devices are designed to allow sea turtles escape the nets and avoid drowning. But shortly after, the Louisiana legislature enacted a law that prohibited Louisiana authorities from enforcing the TED law in Louisiana waters. Louisiana is the only State in the Union with such a law.
Four years ago Gov. Jindal vetoed a bipartisan bill to strike down that law, saying that enforcement of TEDs would harm an industry that already had been hit by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. However, early this year, the Louisiana Shrimp Task Force voted unanimously to support striking down that law http://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/2015/04/02/sea-turtle-laws-louisiana/70823066/ and allow enforcement of the TED law. This the Louisiana legislature has passed House Bill 668 bill to repeal the 1987 law. This is really a unique moment in history when we all can make a difference. We need public support for this new effort and hopefully convince Gov. Jindal to do the right thing.
The Turtle Island Restoration Network, a non-profit conservation organization, is currently holding an online signature drive. The collected list of signatures will be delivered to LA legislators and to Gov. Jindal. Please go to the TIRN website to sign
http://seaturtles.org/takeaction/tel-gov-jindal-save-gulf-mexico-sea-turtles-shrimp-trawls/ .
Please help spread this message in your social and professional networks.
Better yet, grab that smart phone and make a toll free call to his office: Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal is getting HB #668 on his desk soon (for a limited time) that will allow Louisiana law enforcement to board shrimp boats and enforce the Endangered Species Act by requiring Turtle Excluder Devices! Both the Louisiana House and Senate have approved the bill. PLEASE CALL toll free 1-866-366-1121 now and politely ask the Governor to sign the bill! Help Louisiana make great history for sea turtles!
I’m asking you to spread the word to HerpDigest subscribers. Thanks!
Carole H. Allen, Gulf Office Director
Turtle Island Restoration Network (www.seaturtles.org)
And HEART (Help Endangered Animals-Ridley Turtles)
P. O. Box 681231
Houston, Texas 77268-1231
Phone and FAX 281-444-6204
I have counted on HerpDigest to help save sea turtles for many years. Now, we have a tremendous opportunity but only a few days left to get it done. We need to bring a lot of pressure on Governor Jindal within the next few days!
Louisiana waters are a very important migratory, developmental, and foraging habitat for five sea turtle species: Lepidochelys kempii (the most critically endangered of all), Dermochelys coriacea, Eretmochelys imbricata, Chelonia mydas, and Caretta caretta. The populations of all these species in the Gulf of Mexico have been significantly impacted and reduced from their 1800 levels by human activities. One of the current main sources of mortality is drowning in shrimp nets, as sea turtles are incapable of withstanding the extensive tow times during shrimping operations. In the mid 1980s a Federal law was passed, mandating shrimp vessels to install Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) during fishing operations. These devices are designed to allow sea turtles escape the nets and avoid drowning. But shortly after, the Louisiana legislature enacted a law that prohibited Louisiana authorities from enforcing the TED law in Louisiana waters. Louisiana is the only State in the Union with such a law.
Four years ago Gov. Jindal vetoed a bipartisan bill to strike down that law, saying that enforcement of TEDs would harm an industry that already had been hit by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. However, early this year, the Louisiana Shrimp Task Force voted unanimously to support striking down that law http://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/2015/04/02/sea-turtle-laws-louisiana/70823066/ and allow enforcement of the TED law. This the Louisiana legislature has passed House Bill 668 bill to repeal the 1987 law. This is really a unique moment in history when we all can make a difference. We need public support for this new effort and hopefully convince Gov. Jindal to do the right thing.
The Turtle Island Restoration Network, a non-profit conservation organization, is currently holding an online signature drive. The collected list of signatures will be delivered to LA legislators and to Gov. Jindal. Please go to the TIRN website to sign
http://seaturtles.org/takeaction/tel-gov-jindal-save-gulf-mexico-sea-turtles-shrimp-trawls/ .
Please help spread this message in your social and professional networks.
Better yet, grab that smart phone and make a toll free call to his office: Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal is getting HB #668 on his desk soon (for a limited time) that will allow Louisiana law enforcement to board shrimp boats and enforce the Endangered Species Act by requiring Turtle Excluder Devices! Both the Louisiana House and Senate have approved the bill. PLEASE CALL toll free 1-866-366-1121 now and politely ask the Governor to sign the bill! Help Louisiana make great history for sea turtles!
I’m asking you to spread the word to HerpDigest subscribers. Thanks!
Carole H. Allen, Gulf Office Director
Turtle Island Restoration Network (www.seaturtles.org)
And HEART (Help Endangered Animals-Ridley Turtles)
P. O. Box 681231
Houston, Texas 77268-1231
Phone and FAX 281-444-6204
