Scientists Call for Fishing Moratorium to Save Leatherback Sea Turtles

Monterey, CA  -- Scientists and environmental experts have called for a moratorium on all fishing methods that cause harm to Pacific leatherback sea turtles which are in danger of imminent extinction.  Concluding the International Leatherback Survival Conference,  36 participants signed a resolution asking the United Nations, United States and all other nations whose citizens fish in the Pacific to institute a moratorium, and other  conservation measures, to halt the dramatic decline of these ancient creatures. More Here

One of the most up-to-date sources of information on sea-turtle projects in the Indo-Pacific region, this is a useful guide for scientists, managers and legislators, in fact for anyone who wants to learn more about sea turtles in the region. In many cases, it lists the exact legislation that governs the use or protection of turtles and provides a fascinating history of the use of trawler excluder devices (TEDs), a major issue in turtle conservation efforts today, and recent WTO trade issues.

Besides describing the conservation status and management approaches in a number of Asean and non-Asean nations, this also looks at a number of sea-turtle populations in the Indo-Pacific region by highlighting the fact that many conservation and management approaches are not necessarily beach-based (such as hatcheries and incubators). Research on and management of sea-turtle populations before they enter the sea as hatchlings and ways in which we may help turtle populations are also dealt with at length.

Click here to view abstracts of the 2nd ASEAN Symposium and Workshop on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation