World Turtle Day 2010

On Sunday, May 23, the American Tortoise Rescue (ATR) sponsors World Turtle Day.  A non-profit organization, ATR, was established 20 years ago to protect all species of tortoise and turtles.  Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson founded the ATR to raise awareness of the decreasing numbers of these animals and advocate for humane treatment of all reptiles.  The ATR also assists law enforcement to cut down on illegal sale and possession of tortoise and turtles.

This day comes amidst the current oil spill, where countless sea turtles are losing their lives, among other marine inhabitants.  This year, more than ever, it is crucial to bring attention to the current state of these endangered species.  BP’s oil spill is “a tragic example of putting profits before preserving our environment,” said Tellem.  Turtles and tortoises have been on Earth for more than 200 million years and are rapidly disappearing due to habitat destruction, exotic food markets, and pet trade industry.  According to Dr. Brian Miller, biology professor at Middle Tennessee State University, about one-third of the turtle species will be extinct in the next 20-25 years.

I was fortunate enough to care for a variety of marine and freshwater turtles during an internship at Underwater Adventures Aquarium and I cannot describe to you in words how fascinating, caring, and graceful these animals are. 

So what can you do on Sunday, and every day, to help keep these amazing animals around for much longer? There has never been a better time to get involved.

1. Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Work on eliminating conventional plastic from your life. Plastic kills more than 100,000 marine animals each year. Sea turtles mistake plastic for food or become entangled.

2. Never take turtles from the wild.

3. Never release pet turtles into the wild.

4. Do not purchase any turtle/tortoise product, including shells or eggs.

5. Turn out the lights along beaches and protect nesting sites. Only 1 in 1,000 turtle hatchlings survive to adulthood.

6. Adopt a Turtle. There are numerous organizations, but here are my favorites, the Caribbean Conservation Corporation and SeaTurtle.org.  http://www.cccturtle.org/adoptaturtle.php / http://www.seaturtle.org/

7. Check out your local zoos and aquariums for World Turtle Day events.

HAPPY WORLD TURTLE DAY!!

*L

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Oil Spill

As we’ve all witnessed in recent weeks, the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon offshore drilling rig is having disastrous effects on everything from wildlife to future political plans to the tourism industry.  On April 20, 2010, an explosion of the rig caused it to sink resulting in a massive, continuous oil spill.  According to CNBC, the spill covers at least 2500 square miles and is releasing upwards of 25,000 barrels of oil per day.   Coast Guard commandant, Adm. Thad Allen said, “This spill, at this point in my view, is indeterminate, that makes it asymmetrical, anomalous and one of the most complex things we’ve ever dealt with.”

 The Deepwater Horizon rig, owned by Transocean Ltd. and leased to BP, is stationed 41 miles off the coast of Louisiana and could drill up to 30,000 feet.  BP stated in 2009 that is was “unlikely that an accidental surface or subsurface oil spill would occur from the proposed activities”, and that “due to the distance to shore and the response capabilities that would be implemented, no significant adverse impacts are expected.”  Unfortunately, they were devastatingly wrong.  The rigs blowout preventer (BOP) failed to cut-off the oil flow when the explosion occurred.  So far, 9 million gallons have leaked, just 1 million shy of the Exxon Valdez spill.  BP’s recent attempts to stop the flow of oil have all been unsuccessful.  Eight remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs) have been deployed to try to close the BOP valves to no avail.  BP is currently working on drilling relief wells, however, these could take up to 3 months to complete.  In the meantime, BP is attempting to contain the spill with a hood placed over the 3 identified leaks.  As of today, the U.S Coast Guard estimates that 170 vessels, nearly 7,500 personnel, and 2,000 volunteers are involved in the cleanup efforts.

 Clearly, there is an immense financial impact from the spill, but the loss of wildlife, tourism, and jobs have also been drastically affected.  Current law states that companies responsible for an oil spill must cover all financial damages and clean-up costs up to $75 million.  Due to the recent spill, which has far surpassed the $75 million cap, a bill has been introduced to Congress that would raise the cap to $10 billion.  This  also includes a clause that would force BP to abide by the new cap.  Beyond the financial strain, the spill has wreaked havoc on the coastal communities two main livelihoods, the seafood industry and tourism.  The NOAA has suspended commercial and recreational fishing for the time being causing  a terrible chain of events for local economies.  The oil has already covered the majority of shrimp and oyster beds, completely wiping out the marshlands where shellfish reproduce.  Local restaurants, as well as the rest of the country, depend on this seafood supply.  It’s estimated that it could take up to 20 years for the ecosystem to return to normal. 

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, at least 20 National Wildlife Refuges are at risk of being affected by the spill.  These refuges include  about 34,000 birds, including gulls, pelicans, roseate spoonbills, egrets, shore birds, terns, and blue herons.   The NOAA has also spotted sea turtles and dolphins swimming in oil ridden waters.  The fluidity between onshore and offshore environments is of growing concern because whatever happens out at sea will inevitably affect the coastal marine communities.  Not only can animals die from the noxious effects of the petroleum, but it can produce lethal developmental deformities.  Like shellfish, coastal birds are in breeding and nesting season.  To continue its longstanding commitment to oiled wildlife rescue, Proctor and Gamble has already expedited 1,000 bottles of Dawn to help remove oil on affected animals.

Most likely, the effects of the oil spill will continue to haunt the Gulf region for some time to come.  The consequences of the spill will reach every single one of us.  This is just the beginning.  I have included a few links that will help you get involved.

National Geographic Satellite Photos http://bit.ly/dsJNUq

USA Today – Gulf Coast Oil Spill : How to Help http://bit.ly/a3clfY

How You Can Help Wildlife Hurt by the Gulf Oil Spill http://bit.ly/b3uoQt

For the latest news and updates http://bit.ly/9JcNuj

*L

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