Donations Needed to Track Turtles

In order to know how to best help green sea turtles evade extinction, we need to know where they go and what they do.  In order to learn that, we need to attach satellite transmitters to rescued, rehabilitated, and released turtles.  Unfortunately, each one costs $4,000 on top of the already expensive price tag on nursing them back to health and more concerned donors will need to open their pocketbooks if we are going to be able to afford the knowledge we need.  Please help if you can!

Legally Harvesting Marine Turtles

Despite the fact they are on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species, 42 countries around the world continue to allow the harvest of marine turtles.  It is currently estimated that over 40,000 turtles are legally taken from the ocean every year.  While Pokey and I are sympathetic to these countries' right to preserve a historic cultural practice, we wonder if they realize that over consumption is just as capable of ending their tradition.

Freezing in Florida

Everyone knows that the polar vortex had dumped an unusual abundance of winter upon parts of North America.  What many don't know is that the sea turtle population is also suffering due to the harsh season.  Green sea turtles living in the Florida panhandle seem to have been hit the hardest as they are unable to self-regulate their body temperature as effectively as other ocean dwelling mammals.  Dozens of in-shock and deceased turtles were found on the beach after the most recent storm.  If you are in Florida and stumble upon a suffering sea turtle, please call the FWC Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-3922 to give them their best chance at survival.