Save the Turtle Science Program at Padre Island National Seashore

July 30, 2020

PLEASE HELP SAVE THE FAMED TURTLE SCIENCE AND RECOVERY PROGRAM AT PADRE ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE!
Link to online petition below.

The National Park Service is moving to sharply curtail its internationally recognized Turtle Science and Recovery Program based at Padre Island National Seashore. The program is key to the survival of the critically endangered Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle, the rarest sea turtle species, and rescues threatened loggerhead and green turtles.

Its hatchery and incubation efforts are world-renowned and serve as a vital resource in rescuing stranded sea turtles on the Texas Gulf Coast.

The park superintendent is ordering a 30% cut in program funding and other steps that will hurt sea turtles, including:

  • Discontinue collection, incubation, and release of green and loggerhead sea turtle eggs
  • Discontinue soliciting project funds for species other than Kemp’s Ridley
  • Restrict response to stranding events to within the boundaries of Padres Island National Seashore
  • Reduce the number of public hatchling releases, although this activity has garnered public support for the species
  • Test and implement in situ nesting and increase use of corralling, although beach driving is a danger to the nests
  • Reduce the number of beach patrols
  • Restrict the research program, although the Review notes that “substantial contributions” have been made by Padre Island National Seashore staff
  • Discontinue, i.e., reduce, Sea Turtle Science and Recovery  program funding that is special project funding.  Also, specifically cancel the project funds that were focused on night-time protection and collection of green sea turtle eggs.  

Please sign this petition and tell the Secretary of Interior to save the Sea Turtle Science and Recovery program at Padre Island.

LINK TO ONLINE PETITION:
https://peer.salsalabs.org/save-kemps-ridley-sea-turtles/index.html

PEER Press Release:
https://www.peer.org/park-service-slashes-sea-turtle-rescue-program/

VIDEO: Saving the Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle - Texas Parks and Wildlife
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afgsYchpD_Q