Content-Type: text/html

So many things to do and fix... so little time and money.

 

________________________________

From: Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation [mailto:<a href="/cgi-bin/wa?LOGON=A3%3Dind0611%26L%3DCTURTLE%26E%3Dquoted-printable%26P%3D706606%26B%3D------_%253D_NextPart_001_01C7080C.94F8D074%26T%3Dtext%252Fplain%3B%2520charset%3Dus-ascii" >[log in to unmask]</a>]
On Behalf Of JRylander
Sent: Tuesday, November 14, 2006 9:59 AM
To: <a href="/cgi-bin/wa?LOGON=A3%3Dind0611%26L%3DCTURTLE%26E%3Dquoted-printable%26P%3D706606%26B%3D------_%253D_NextPart_001_01C7080C.94F8D074%26T%3Dtext%252Fplain%3B%2520charset%3Dus-ascii" >[log in to unmask]</a>
Subject: Re: Florida loggerhead nesting in decline.

 

It is also worth recalling that Cape Hatteras National Seashore has no
restrictions on beach driving during turtle nesting season, not even a
ban on night driving.  Because of this it is impossible to tell whether
turtle populations at CHNS are at appropriate levels or if the many
false crawls there are the result of human disturbance.  The Park
Service needs a great deal of public pressure on this issue as it has
yet to develop a long-term management plan for ORV use on these beaches.


 

Jason Rylander

Staff Attorney

Defenders of Wildlife

1130 17th Street, NW

Washington, DC 20036

(202) 682-9400 x. 145

(202) 486-8650 (cell)

<a href="/cgi-bin/wa?LOGON=A3%3Dind0611%26L%3DCTURTLE%26E%3Dquoted-printable%26P%3D706606%26B%3D------_%253D_NextPart_001_01C7080C.94F8D074%26T%3Dtext%252Fplain%3B%2520charset%3Dus-ascii" >[log in to unmask]</a>


 


 

________________________________

From: Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation [mailto:<a href="/cgi-bin/wa?LOGON=A3%3Dind0611%26L%3DCTURTLE%26E%3Dquoted-printable%26P%3D706606%26B%3D------_%253D_NextPart_001_01C7080C.94F8D074%26T%3Dtext%252Fplain%3B%2520charset%3Dus-ascii" >[log in to unmask]</a>]
On Behalf Of Allen Salzberg
Sent: Tuesday, November 14, 2006 6:58 AM
To: <a href="/cgi-bin/wa?LOGON=A3%3Dind0611%26L%3DCTURTLE%26E%3Dquoted-printable%26P%3D706606%26B%3D------_%253D_NextPart_001_01C7080C.94F8D074%26T%3Dtext%252Fplain%3B%2520charset%3Dus-ascii" >[log in to unmask]</a>
Subject: Re: Florida loggerhead nesting in decline.

Then you might as well include the entire east coast up to Cape Cod,
especially Long Island Sound and Peconic Bay (within the island itself)
where juvenile sea turtles go to eat and then are often found dead or
dying, cold-stunned? on the beach. Or the leatherbacks found on the
south side of Long Island, cut up from boat propellers, and then washed
up on the beach. Seems Ridley's, Green and Loggerheads are found in the
sound and bay, and leatherbacks needing wide open water on the south
side of the island which is really the Atlantic Ocean. (Leatherbacks are
all adults as far as I know. Has anyone ever seen a juvenile
leatherback?

 

Sounds like an entire census of some kind should be done on the east
coast of the US. 

 

Allen Salzberg 

 

HerpDigest.org: The Only Free Weekly E-Zine That Reports on 
The Latest News on Herpetological Conservation and Science 
www.HerpDigest.org

 

HerpArts.com
Gifts for Herp Lovers: 2007 Turtle & Frog Calendars, Reptile and
Amphibian Jewelry, Art, Toys for Adults 
And Kids, Decorative Items for the House and Tree and So Much More
www.HerpArts.com

	----- Original Message ----- 

	From: Stetzar Edna (DNREC) <mailto:<a href="/cgi-bin/wa?LOGON=A3%3Dind0611%26L%3DCTURTLE%26E%3Dquoted-printable%26P%3D706606%26B%3D------_%253D_NextPart_001_01C7080C.94F8D074%26T%3Dtext%252Fplain%3B%2520charset%3Dus-ascii" >[log in to unmask]</a>>  

	To: <a href="/cgi-bin/wa?LOGON=A3%3Dind0611%26L%3DCTURTLE%26E%3Dquoted-printable%26P%3D706606%26B%3D------_%253D_NextPart_001_01C7080C.94F8D074%26T%3Dtext%252Fplain%3B%2520charset%3Dus-ascii" >[log in to unmask]</a> 

	Sent: Monday, November 13, 2006 12:51 PM

	Subject: Re: Florida loggerhead nesting in decline.

	 

	Mike and all,

	 

	I wonder why the Delaware Bay region is not considered a part of
the area of concern? Although major die-offs have not been noticed, you
can predict that year after year loggerheads will dead strand on its
shores. Although not much research or management efforts have been
directed to this area, evidence (from aerial surveys, incidental &
targeted capture, strandings, sighting surveys) does suggest that the
Delaware Bay supports a considerable number (estimated to be in the
1,000's) of loggerheads (subadult and large immature make up the largest
percentage of strandings). They occur approximately June through October
and the Bay is no doubt an attractive foraging area as it supports a
large percentage of the Atlantic coast horseshoe crab population (as
well as other benthic food sources). Mature reproductive adults also
utilize the estuary as evidenced by satellite tagging and strandings.  

	 

	Sea turtles face numerous threats in Delaware Bay from crab pot
and conch pot fisheries, gill-net fisheries, dredging, recreational hook
& line, vessel strikes, etc.. however, there are minimal protective or
conservation efforts in place right now. Possibly because the Bay is not
recognized as important. This lack of recognition could be due in part
to a lack of data (although there is some data as mentioned above).
Strandings are investigated, but most of the turtles are already dead,
so this is not very 'proactive'. Obviously more research is needed to
determine population characteristics, but meanwhile Delaware Bay falls
through the cracks and turtles continue to die.  

	 

	Any thoughts?

	 

	Sincerely, 

	Edna J. Stetzar

	Delaware Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program

	Division of Fish and Wildlife

	Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control

	4876 Hay Point Landing

	Smyrna, DE 19977

	(302) 653-2883

	
________________________________


	From: Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation
[mailto:<a href="/cgi-bin/wa?LOGON=A3%3Dind0611%26L%3DCTURTLE%26E%3Dquoted-printable%26P%3D706606%26B%3D------_%253D_NextPart_001_01C7080C.94F8D074%26T%3Dtext%252Fplain%3B%2520charset%3Dus-ascii" >[log in to unmask]</a>] On Behalf Of Michael Frick
	Sent: Monday, November 13, 2006 12:26 AM
	To: <a href="/cgi-bin/wa?LOGON=A3%3Dind0611%26L%3DCTURTLE%26E%3Dquoted-printable%26P%3D706606%26B%3D------_%253D_NextPart_001_01C7080C.94F8D074%26T%3Dtext%252Fplain%3B%2520charset%3Dus-ascii" >[log in to unmask]</a>
	Subject: Re: Florida loggerhead nesting in decline.

	 

	Those interested,

	 

	News from Florida is not good this year. First, I think it seems
common sensical to cast a steely glance at all the 'mid-Atlantic US'
deaths of subadult and large immature loggerheads off the Carolina -
Chesapeake Bay region several springs ago and the subadult die-offs off
Miami, etc...C'mon man! It is apparent that more in-water protection is
vital for neretic-stage turtles off the U.S., but what has been at the
front of some state and the Fed agendas since 1998: "What consequences
are current management practices having on turtles at the nesting beach?
(i.e. are we adversely affecting hatchlings by relocating nests or
messing with their navagational capabilities by using metal sceening?).
It's time for the conservation police to act and act now. A great
beginning would be a complete, finished Loggerhead Recovery Plan (circa
now) to present to Congress. Reputations, conference presentations and
personal publications can wait while such necessary info is compiled for
the sake of the turtles, particularly before spring migrations through
the treacherous Carolina waters.

	 

	Mike Frick 

	 

	
	-----Original Message-----
	From: <a href="/cgi-bin/wa?LOGON=A3%3Dind0611%26L%3DCTURTLE%26E%3Dquoted-printable%26P%3D706606%26B%3D------_%253D_NextPart_001_01C7080C.94F8D074%26T%3Dtext%252Fplain%3B%2520charset%3Dus-ascii" >[log in to unmask]</a>
	To: <a href="/cgi-bin/wa?LOGON=A3%3Dind0611%26L%3DCTURTLE%26E%3Dquoted-printable%26P%3D706606%26B%3D------_%253D_NextPart_001_01C7080C.94F8D074%26T%3Dtext%252Fplain%3B%2520charset%3Dus-ascii" >[log in to unmask]</a>
	Sent: Fri, 10 Nov 2006 9:02 AM
	Subject: Florida loggerhead nesting in decline.

	CCC sent out the following press release yesterday to state and
national media.  We thought the content would be of interest to the
list.  The press release also briefly notes the serious cut in federal
funding for the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge.  We will post
information on our website next week on how people can help support the
effort to restore funding to the Archie Carr Refuge.

	 

	Gary

	 

	 

	
************************************************************************
**********************

	 

	 

	Contact: Caribbean Conservation Corporation

	4424 NW 13th Street, Suite A-1

	Gainesville, FL, USA 32609

	(352) 373-6441

	www.cccturtle.org


	November 10, 2006


	David Godfrey or Gary Appelson

	Caribbean Conservation Corporation


	352-373-6441 or <a href="/cgi-bin/wa?LOGON=A3%3Dind0611%26L%3DCTURTLE%26E%3Dquoted-printable%26P%3D706606%26B%3D------_%253D_NextPart_001_01C7080C.94F8D074%26T%3Dtext%252Fplain%3B%2520charset%3Dus-ascii" >[log in to unmask]</a>
<javascript:parent.ComposeTo(<a href="/cgi-bin/wa?LOGON=A3%3Dind0611%26L%3DCTURTLE%26E%3Dquoted-printable%26P%3D706606%26B%3D------_%253D_NextPart_001_01C7080C.94F8D074%26T%3Dtext%252Fplain%3B%2520charset%3Dus-ascii" >[log in to unmask]</a>,%20'');>
For Immediate Release


	 

	Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nesting in Steep Decline

	 

	GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA-Scientists with Florida's Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission (FWCC) today released a research report
concluding that the United States' largest remaining loggerhead sea
turtle rookery is in steep decline. In the report, which was posted on
FWCC's website
(http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id=27537),
scientists analyzed 17 years of sea turtle nesting data and found that
since 1989 nest counts have declined 22% throughout Florida. Since 1998,
in just seven years, nesting at Florida's most important nesting beaches
all over the state have declined 40%. Florida accounts for 90% of the
loggerhead nesting in the U.S., with one nesting aggregation on the
beaches of the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge on the Atlantic
coast considered to be one of the two largest remaining in the world.

	 

	David Godfey, Executive Director of the Florida-based Caribbean
Conservation Corporation, the world's oldest sea turtle conservation
group, stated, "We have known loggerheads were declining, but this
thorough analysis of data dating back nearly two decades paints a far
grimmer picture of the status of loggerhead nesting in Florida and the
U.S.  The results are alarming, and it is urgent that state and federal
agencies strengthen conservation efforts to address the root causes of
this decline. Sea turtles are ambassadors of the sea".

	 

	The FWCC report does not point to any conclusive cause of the
decline, but points a finger at the many threats facing loggerheads at
sea and when they return to Florida beaches to nest. The report states
that recent hurricanes are not the cause of the decline. Loggerheads
that hatch on Florida beaches take 20-30 years to reach maturity, so
recent storm impacts would not be seen in the nesting population for
decades.  The report suggests that threats occurring far from the states
waters and beaches, in the open Atlantic Ocean, may be the major cause
of the decline. These threats include drowning in fishing trawls and
incidental capture by the long lining commercial fishing industry. Sea
turtles in Florida face many other threats according to the report,
including the challenges faced by a booming coastal human population and
coastal development. 

	 

	Juvenile sea turtles travel and forage throughout the Atlantic
Ocean after they leave Florida's beaches. The FWCC report notes that
both the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) have management oversight in the
marine environment beyond Florida's beaches. 

	 

	According to Godfrey, the long line fishing industry, which sets
millions of hooks on the open seas, has long been a suspect in the
loggerhead decline. CCC concludes that the cumulative effects of
numerous U.S. Fisheries already permitted to kill thousands of sea
turtles incidentally each year are a major source of these declines. The
actual number of loggerheads killed annually by U.S. and foreign boats
in the Atlantic is taking an enormous toll on the American loggerhead, a
species touted as an Endangered Species success story until only a few
years ago. 

	 

	This report comes on the heels of a recent press release from
the USFWS announcing  70% staffing cutbacks at the Archie Carr National
Wildlife Refuge, including all the scientific and public outreach staff.
The refuge was established to protect the most heavily nested loggerhead
turtle nesting beaches in the Western Hemisphere. 

	 

	According to Godfrey, the federal government appears to be
abandoning support for the Carr Refuge at just the time when sea turtles
are in desperate need of increased protection. Much more must be done to
safeguard healthy sea turtle nesting beaches. "These turtles are being
hammered in the Atlantic fisheries. While addressing this serious
threat, we must also make sure reproductive turtles find good nesting
beaches when they return home. Unfortunately, in many areas of Florida
sea turtles will return to find miles of sea walls and new beachfront
development."

	 

	Florida's globally important turtle nesting beaches face the
triple threat of natural erosion, hurricanes and sea level rise. At the
same time, the fragile coastline is under intense development pressure,
and sea turtles are caught in the middle. With loggerhead numbers now in
steep decline, it becomes even more important that the new Congress and
elected leaders in Florida take steps to increase protections for sea
turtles and their nesting beaches.

	 

	###

	 

	 

	 

	 

	 

	 

	 

	 

	Gary Appelson

	Caribbean Conservation Corporation

	and Sea Turtle Survival League

	4424 NW 13th St.,  Suite 1-A

	Gainesville, Fl. 32609

	352-373-6441

	 

	<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> To leave the
CTURTLE list, send a message to: <a href="/cgi-bin/wa?LOGON=A3%3Dind0611%26L%3DCTURTLE%26E%3Dquoted-printable%26P%3D706606%26B%3D------_%253D_NextPart_001_01C7080C.94F8D074%26T%3Dtext%252Fplain%3B%2520charset%3Dus-ascii" >[log in to unmask]</a> with the
message: signoff CTURTLE 

	If you experience difficulty, send an email to:
<a href="/cgi-bin/wa?LOGON=A3%3Dind0611%26L%3DCTURTLE%26E%3Dquoted-printable%26P%3D706606%26B%3D------_%253D_NextPart_001_01C7080C.94F8D074%26T%3Dtext%252Fplain%3B%2520charset%3Dus-ascii" >[log in to unmask]</a>
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> 

	<HRsize=2 width="100%" align=center> 

	Check out the new AOL
<http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/1615326657x4311227241x4298082137/aol?redi
r=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eaol%2Ecom%2Fnewaol> . Most comprehensive set of
free safety and security tools, free access to millions of high-quality
videos from across the web, free AOL Mail and more.

	<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> To leave the
CTURTLE list, send a message to: <a href="/cgi-bin/wa?LOGON=A3%3Dind0611%26L%3DCTURTLE%26E%3Dquoted-printable%26P%3D706606%26B%3D------_%253D_NextPart_001_01C7080C.94F8D074%26T%3Dtext%252Fplain%3B%2520charset%3Dus-ascii" >[log in to unmask]</a> with the
message: signoff CTURTLE 

	If you experience difficulty, send an email to:
<a href="/cgi-bin/wa?LOGON=A3%3Dind0611%26L%3DCTURTLE%26E%3Dquoted-printable%26P%3D706606%26B%3D------_%253D_NextPart_001_01C7080C.94F8D074%26T%3Dtext%252Fplain%3B%2520charset%3Dus-ascii" >[log in to unmask]</a>
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> To leave the CTURTLE
list, send a message to: <a href="/cgi-bin/wa?LOGON=A3%3Dind0611%26L%3DCTURTLE%26E%3Dquoted-printable%26P%3D706606%26B%3D------_%253D_NextPart_001_01C7080C.94F8D074%26T%3Dtext%252Fplain%3B%2520charset%3Dus-ascii" >[log in to unmask]</a> with the message:
signoff CTURTLE 

	If you experience difficulty, send an email to:
<a href="/cgi-bin/wa?LOGON=A3%3Dind0611%26L%3DCTURTLE%26E%3Dquoted-printable%26P%3D706606%26B%3D------_%253D_NextPart_001_01C7080C.94F8D074%26T%3Dtext%252Fplain%3B%2520charset%3Dus-ascii" >[log in to unmask]</a>
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> To leave the CTURTLE
list, send a message to: <a href="/cgi-bin/wa?LOGON=A3%3Dind0611%26L%3DCTURTLE%26E%3Dquoted-printable%26P%3D706606%26B%3D------_%253D_NextPart_001_01C7080C.94F8D074%26T%3Dtext%252Fplain%3B%2520charset%3Dus-ascii" >[log in to unmask]</a> with the message:
signoff CTURTLE 

If you experience difficulty, send an email to:
<a href="/cgi-bin/wa?LOGON=A3%3Dind0611%26L%3DCTURTLE%26E%3Dquoted-printable%26P%3D706606%26B%3D------_%253D_NextPart_001_01C7080C.94F8D074%26T%3Dtext%252Fplain%3B%2520charset%3Dus-ascii" >[log in to unmask]</a>
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> 

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> To leave the CTURTLE
list, send a message to: <a href="/cgi-bin/wa?LOGON=A3%3Dind0611%26L%3DCTURTLE%26E%3Dquoted-printable%26P%3D706606%26B%3D------_%253D_NextPart_001_01C7080C.94F8D074%26T%3Dtext%252Fplain%3B%2520charset%3Dus-ascii" >[log in to unmask]</a> with the message:
signoff CTURTLE 

If you experience difficulty, send an email to:
<a href="/cgi-bin/wa?LOGON=A3%3Dind0611%26L%3DCTURTLE%26E%3Dquoted-printable%26P%3D706606%26B%3D------_%253D_NextPart_001_01C7080C.94F8D074%26T%3Dtext%252Fplain%3B%2520charset%3Dus-ascii" >[log in to unmask]</a>
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
To leave the CTURTLE list, send a message to:
     <a href="/cgi-bin/wa?LOGON=A3%3Dind0611%26L%3DCTURTLE%26E%3Dquoted-printable%26P%3D706606%26B%3D------_%253D_NextPart_001_01C7080C.94F8D074%26T%3Dtext%252Fplain%3B%2520charset%3Dus-ascii" >[log in to unmask]</a>
with the message:  signoff CTURTLE

If you experience difficulty, send an email to:
     <a href="/cgi-bin/wa?LOGON=A3%3Dind0611%26L%3DCTURTLE%26E%3Dquoted-printable%26P%3D706606%26B%3D------_%253D_NextPart_001_01C7080C.94F8D074%26T%3Dtext%252Fplain%3B%2520charset%3Dus-ascii" >[log in to unmask]</a>
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>