10-17-2008, 11:10 AM
An additional rule restricting the harvest of freshwater turtles goes into effect on October 23. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) passed the rule at the September Commission meeting.
This restriction limits the harvest of wild Florida freshwater turtles to five per day per person. Each fisherman with a commercial license will be allowed to harvest an additional 15 Florida softshell turtles per day, for a total of 20 turtles per day.
"Florida softshell turtles lay more eggs than any other freshwater turtle in North America, and this species of freshwater turtle has sustained much higher harvest levels for many years," said Bill Turner, an FWC amphibian and reptile specialist. "Over the next year we will be collecting information and working with our stakeholders to determine the best strategy for conservation of freshwater turtles in Florida."
This rule has been passed to protect freshwater turtle populations while the FWC develops a long-term comprehensive strategy for sustainable use of amphibian and reptile populations. Recent reports of unusually large freshwater turtle harvests coincide with reports that the demand for freshwater turtles as food and pets has increased.
The additional rule limits the number of turtles that may be taken from the wild, not from turtle farms or other aquaculture facilities. Farmed turtles represent more than 90 percent of the total freshwater turtles exported from Florida. No changes have been made to the number of turtles people may possess; the existing limits still apply. Furthermore, rules about selling or buying turtles have not changed.
"We expect to bring the strategy for freshwater turtles back to the Commission in one year," Turner said. "We listened to the public, experts and fishermen and will continue to do so during the whole process."
This additional restriction to the existing rules is an interim measure while the FWC works on a long-term strategy for conservation of these species.
Media Contact
Patricia Behnke, 850-251-2130
This restriction limits the harvest of wild Florida freshwater turtles to five per day per person. Each fisherman with a commercial license will be allowed to harvest an additional 15 Florida softshell turtles per day, for a total of 20 turtles per day.
"Florida softshell turtles lay more eggs than any other freshwater turtle in North America, and this species of freshwater turtle has sustained much higher harvest levels for many years," said Bill Turner, an FWC amphibian and reptile specialist. "Over the next year we will be collecting information and working with our stakeholders to determine the best strategy for conservation of freshwater turtles in Florida."
This rule has been passed to protect freshwater turtle populations while the FWC develops a long-term comprehensive strategy for sustainable use of amphibian and reptile populations. Recent reports of unusually large freshwater turtle harvests coincide with reports that the demand for freshwater turtles as food and pets has increased.
The additional rule limits the number of turtles that may be taken from the wild, not from turtle farms or other aquaculture facilities. Farmed turtles represent more than 90 percent of the total freshwater turtles exported from Florida. No changes have been made to the number of turtles people may possess; the existing limits still apply. Furthermore, rules about selling or buying turtles have not changed.
"We expect to bring the strategy for freshwater turtles back to the Commission in one year," Turner said. "We listened to the public, experts and fishermen and will continue to do so during the whole process."
This additional restriction to the existing rules is an interim measure while the FWC works on a long-term strategy for conservation of these species.
Media Contact
Patricia Behnke, 850-251-2130