Bahamas bans marine turtle harvesting

A post on CTURTLE@LISTS.UFL.EDU:

We are happy to share with you the wonderful news that The Bahamas Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources issued the following press release:

"The Bahamas Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources hereby announces that the Fisheries Regulations governing marine turtles have been amended to give full protection to all marine turtles found in Bahamian waters by prohibiting the harvesting, possession, purchase and sale of turtles, their parts and eggs. The new regulations also prohibits the molestation of marine turtle nests. The regulations will come into effect on Tuesday, September 1st, 2009."

This is a time for celebration for sea turtles! Please send emails of appreciation to The Hon. Lawrence Cartwright, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources larrycartwright@bahamas.gov.bs and Mr. Michael Braynen, Director of Marine Resources michaelbraynen@bahamas.gov.bs

Best regards,
Alan and Karen


Alan B. Bolten
Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research
University of Florida
PO Box 118525
Gainesville, Florida USA 32611
Tel: 352 392 5194
Fax: 352 392 9166
Email: abolten@ufl.edu