Commission Responds to Public Comments that More Action to Save Sea Turtles are Needed Forest Knolls, CA — The US Commission on Ocean Policy, “An Ocean Blueprint for the 21st…
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August 27, 2004- A giant Pacific leatherback was seen six miles off the coast of Bolinas (Marin County) on a whale watching tour sponsored by the San Francisco Bay Whale Watching, out of Sausalito.
It was feeding on a stinging jellyfish of the genus Chrysaora, known commonly as a sea nettle
Honolulu, HI–Today, Turtle Island Restoration Network , the Center for Biological Diversity, an d Ka `Iwa Kua Lele, represented by Earthjustice, filed suit in federal district court in Hawai`i against the National Marine Fisheries Service (“NMFS”) for reopening the Hawai`i-based longline swordfish fishery in violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (“MBTA”), Endangered Species Act (“ESA”), and National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”). The fishery will cause the deaths of black-footed albatross and Laysan albatross, both protected by the MBTA, and endangered sea turtles protected by the ESA, and was reopened without a proper Environmental Impact Statement, in violation of NEPA.
Honolulu, HI – Today, the National Marines Fisheries Service (“NMFS”) finally acknowledged the devastating toll that the Hawai‘i-based longline fishing fleet inflicts on the Hawai‘i population of false killer whales, formally classifying the longline fleet as “Category I” in the List of Fisheries for 2004, a designation reserved for fisheries that annually kill and seriously injure marine mammals at unsustainable rates. In November 2003, Turtle Island Restoration Network, along with the Center for Biological Diversity and the Hawai‘i community group Hui Mälama i Koholäand, represented by the Earthjustice law firm filed suit on behalf to force NMFS to increase protection for the whale by making such a reclassification, as mandated by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (“MMPA”).
The Sea Turtle Restoration Project presents the first Bay Area screening of our powerful new video Last Journey for the Leatherback? and a chance to meet award-winning director Stan Minasian and renowned – and inspirational – oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle at an intimate reception before the showing.
San Francisco, California—A panel of experts of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization just released a report that recommended closing fisheries that pose the greatest threat to critically endangered Pacific leatherback and loggerhead sea turtles. In order to address the threat of extinction of leatherback and loggerheads, the panel of experts also recommended that “eco labels” be introduced, fishing effort reduced and financial support be directed towards developing countries to support conservation efforts.
The Ocean Conservancy has worked successfully to ensure the recent passage of the Marine Turtle Conservation Act (H.R.3378), in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Championed by Maryland Congressman Wayne Gilchrest (R-1st), the bi-partisan bill authorizes $5 million a year for international conservation projects protecting nesting sea turtles and their habitat, and will help to thwart illegal trade in sea turtle shell, meat and eggs. A similar bill passed the Senate in October of 2003. The bill now goes to President Bush to sign into law.
Celebrate World Environment Day in NYC
To celebrate UN Environmental Programme World Environment Day, “Wanted Seas and Oceans Dead or Alive” a coalition of marine conservation organizations will sponsor a free documentary film screening and panel discussion about endangered leatherback sea turtles and marine mammals at the American Museum of Natural History’s Linder Theatre at Central Park West at 79th Street, New York City Saturday, June 5 from 2:00-4:30.
HRH Princess Ann announced the six winners of the UK’s top conservation prize – the Whitley Awards – to a packed audience at the Royal Geographical Society in London last night (29 April).
San Francisco, CA – Today, in Hawai`i, the industry-dominated Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council and NOAA Fisheries held a press conference to announce the reopening of a fishery that NOAA Fisheries had previously closed because the fishery was killing enough Pacific leatherbacks to put them on a direct path towards extinction.