What is Causing Sea Turtle Extinction?
Commercial fishing, particularly ‘long line’ fishing used to catch ocean fish such as swordfish and tuna, is believed to be the leading cause of the decline in global sea turtle population. This, combined with the development of sea turtle nesting grounds has led to staggering population decreases and numerous local extinctions. ‘Debris ingestion’ is another leading cause of death, particularly among leatherback turtles. Turtles mistake plastic bags or other garbage for desirable food items (such as jellyfish- a leatherback staple). Eating plastic leads to intestinal blockage and possible death. The days of the turtle poachers are over! What are TED’s (Turtle Excluder Devices)? Turtle excluder devices are devices used by commercial shrimp fisheries to reduce the ‘take’ of sea turtles. These are basically a grid of metal bars with an opening at the top or bottom which is fitted into the neck of a shrimp trawl These were implemented by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and are
