Tell Florida wildlife officials: Protect diamondback terrapin turtles by requiring bycatch-reduction devices on crab traps.
Everyaction,
Diamondback terrapin turtles are the wild jewels of Florida's coasts. But every year countless numbers of them drown in crab traps. Lured by bait, they enter the traps and then can't get out. These accidental drownings can cause terrapin populations to decline
drastically — and even disappear.
Fortunately there's a simple fix. Inexpensive devices can be attached to traps to prevent most terrapins from entering and drowning — while having little to no effect on the size of crab hauls.
The Center for Biological Diversity has petitioned the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to require these "bycatch reduction" devices on all commercial and recreational traps to ensure a future for our terrapins.
The agency has 30 days to make a decision and needs to hear from you.
Speak
up for diamondback terrapins: Tell the commission to adopt our common-sense, science-based solution to save these beautiful turtles.
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