Save turtles in trouble
This just in from WWF:
Marine turtles are a globally important species, but the number of turtles has plummeted and some populations are now on the brink of extinction.
These gentle creatures of the sea swim great distances and come to land only to nest. They play a critical role in keeping marine ecosystems healthy; the same ecosystems which sustain our fisheries and tourism industries that provide food and livelihoods for millions of people.
According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, Leatherbacks and Hawksbills are listed as Critically Endangered, while Green turtles are Endangered and Olive ridleys are categorised as Vulnerable.
Four out of the 7 species of marine turtles land and lay their eggs on beaches in Malaysia; Leatherbacks, Hawksbills, Olive Ridleys and Green turtles.
They face many threats, including the practice of consuming turtle eggs, becoming accidentally caught in fishing gear, pollution and the illegal trade of turtles and their parts.
But key to all this is the fact that the laws to protect turtles in Malaysia are inadequate. The current Federal law is limited and, under the Constitution, individual states have the authority to make their own laws on turtles. This means that the laws vary from state to state, have loopholes and do not effectively protect turtles and their eggs.
Please take action!
Marine turtles are a globally important species, but the number of turtles has plummeted and some populations are now on the brink of extinction.
These gentle creatures of the sea swim great distances and come to land only to nest. They play a critical role in keeping marine ecosystems healthy; the same ecosystems which sustain our fisheries and tourism industries that provide food and livelihoods for millions of people.
According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, Leatherbacks and Hawksbills are listed as Critically Endangered, while Green turtles are Endangered and Olive ridleys are categorised as Vulnerable.
Four out of the 7 species of marine turtles land and lay their eggs on beaches in Malaysia; Leatherbacks, Hawksbills, Olive Ridleys and Green turtles.
They face many threats, including the practice of consuming turtle eggs, becoming accidentally caught in fishing gear, pollution and the illegal trade of turtles and their parts.
But key to all this is the fact that the laws to protect turtles in Malaysia are inadequate. The current Federal law is limited and, under the Constitution, individual states have the authority to make their own laws on turtles. This means that the laws vary from state to state, have loopholes and do not effectively protect turtles and their eggs.
Please take action!
