My Green Life

Each year, 250,000 loggerhead sea turtles and 60,000 leatherbacks are caught in longline fishing gear according to a study conducted by Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences and published in March 2004. Both turtle species are on the federal endangered species list, but even after warnings of their populations’ decline, the Obama administration has recently moved to triple the amount of sea turtles that can be caught off the coast of Hawaii by fisherman. In the Gulf of Mexico, sea turtle bycatch will increase 700 percent! As someone who has worked closely with sea turtles, I am very concerned about this action. The population is declining steadily due to habitat encroachment, hatchlings disoriented by bright lights on the beach, marine pollution and debris, and incidental take from commercial longline fishing and dredging. Most turtles fall victim to longline hooks that are meant for swordfish and other edible marine life. Turtles end up as bycatch, are caught by accident, and then they are dumped off the side of a boat.

Instead of increasing the amount of turtles that can be caught, I would suggest Obama’s administration implement some positive changes like using circular hooks instead of the typical “J” hook or altering the type of bait used. To take action in an effort to reverse the decision to increase turtle bycatch click here and send a letter to President Obama encouraging him to reconsider.

Organic Consumers Association’s voice is being heard! The Department of Justice is now accepting comments regarding the monopoly Biotech companies, like Monsanto, have over farming, food, and seeds. So spread the word and, at the very least, sign your name to the form letter included here.