Schildpadden in Florida

Dear friends and colleagues:

I am writing to you today because Florida’s turtles are currently experiencing a major conservation crisis. I seldom write asking for help, but this is a great opportunity for you to do something to improve the future outlook for Florida’s turtles. I hope you can find the time to join me in speaking on their behalf.

The commercial harvest of freshwater turtles is a significant and growing conservation threat in Florida. In addition, the recent discovery of several large piles of freshwater turtle shells documents that localized harvest of significant numbers for personal use continues in the Florida panhandle and peninsula. Turtles are slow-growing, long-lived animals that take years to reach sexual maturity. It is my opinion, as well as that of many of other turtle researchers, that harvest of freshwater turtles is unsustainable, particularly when you take into consideration the diversity other threats, both natural and anthropogenic.&nb sp;

Recent actions by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) have begun to address this issue, but have not gone far enough. In response to concern over commercial harvest expressed by Florida turtle biologists and conservationists, the Commission recently adopted a new daily bag limit on freshwater turtles (see FWC press release: http://myfwc.com/whatsnew/08/statewide/ ... mmSept.htm). The new limit is five, except for species that already have lower bag limits. Unfortunately, fishermen with a commercial license will be allowed to harvest 20 Florida softshell turtles (Apalone ferox) per day. You can link to a responding Florida Turtle Conservation Trust press release at http://www.ftct.org/FTCT%20Press%20Rele ... %20Harvest)%20(2).pdf

Apelone ferox Bedankt Cliff Bernzweig (copyright)

Here are two actions that you can take that would be of great value to conserving Florida turtles:

1) write a letter to Governor Crist expressing your opinion; here are some suggested key points:

a) turtles have been living on the earth for millions of years

b) turtles play an important role in the ecology of many Florida ecosystems

c) many turtle species are in need of conservation attention as their numbers are declining

d) turtles cannot withstand this level of harvesting over the long term

e) Florida’s rivers and lakes would not be the same without basking turtles

f) many tourists come to Florida to enjoy nature (including turtles), and they spend money while they are here

Contact info for Governor Charlie Crist:

Office of Governor Charlie Crist
State of Florida

The Capitol

400 S. Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001

Charlie.Crist@MyFlorida.com

2) attend an upcoming Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission meeting (see: http://myfwc.com/whatsnew/08/statewide/ ... rkshop.htm)

Please forward this information to other conservation-minded individuals. See my contact info below should you need additional information. I hope that I can count on you to speak up for Florida turtles. Thanks for your commitment to conserving Florida wildlife.

Sincerely,

George L. Heinrich,

Field Biologist/Environmental Educator, Heinrich Ecological Services

Founding President, Florida Turtle Conservation Trust

george@heinrichecologicalservices.com

George L. Heinrich
Heinrich Ecological Services
1213 Alhambra Way S.
St. Petersburg, FL 33705-4620
phone: (727) 865-6255
e-mail: george@heinrichecologicalservices.com
website: www.heinrichecologicalservices.com