NMFS & USFWS Delay Loggerhead Status Determination

The Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) was listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 1978. Since that time, there have been dramatic declines in Loggerhead populations worldwide. It is currently the only sea turtle species listed as threatened; all other sea turtle species are endangered in the U.S. In 2009, a review of the Loggerhead's status begin. At that time, a decision was to be announced in early 2011 about the listing of the species.

It looks like we'll have to wait until September, though. Earlier this month, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association's (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced a six month extension to determine the status of the Loggerhead. (Photo credit: J. Jones)

Cold Stunning in Texas

Unusually cold winter weather has resulted in another cold stunning event along the Texas coast. Over 1,000 cold-stunned sea turtles have been rescued since the beginning of February. This marks the second year for a major cold-stunning event in the state. Just last year, when cold-stunned sea turtles were also being rescued in Florida, over 400 were rescued in Texas.

More information on the Texas cold-stunning and the rescue efforts can be found here. Photos from the event can be found here and here.

Plastic Bags Banned in Italy

Italy has taken a step no other county has attempted- they've banned plastic bags. The ban went into effect January 1, 2011 and includes all non-biodegradable, single-use plastic bags. This is a huge step for a country responsible for using 25% (20-25 million bags per year) of all plastic bags used in the European Union.

Worldwide 500 billion- 1 trillion plastic bags are used annually. Over 100 billion of these are used by Americans. Most are never recycled and end up in landfills or our oceans. Floating plastic bags closely resemble the foods of sea turtles and are mistakenly eaten. This can cause blockages in their digestive system and eventually result in death.

It doesn't take a nationwide ban to reduce the use of plastic bags. Do your part to save sea turtles and bring your own bags when you shop!

SCCF Sea Turtle Program hits the blog world!

Greetings!

This blog will serve as a way for both SCCF Sea Turtle Program volunteers and the public to follow the sea turtle season on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. It will also cover important sea turtle news and events. The goal will be to post approximately once per week during turtle season and as needed outside of the season. Hopefully, this blog can serve as a source of useful and informative information!