Device could save sea turtles from fishing nets

green | June 21st, 2009 - 3:01 PM


A loggerhead turtle escapes a trawl net equipped with an escape opening. Federal restrictions could be in place by 2010 that close fishing areas or require trawl nets to have devices that protect turtles and also certain fish.

A loggerhead turtle escapes a trawl net equipped with an escape opening. Federal restrictions could be in place by 2010 that close fishing areas or require trawl nets to have devices that protect turtles and also certain fish.

Timer logs how long nets stay underwater, increasing survival chances.

BOURNE, Mass. – Fishery managers trying to protect rare sea turtles from dying in fishing nets have tapped a Cape Cod company to build a device they think can help balance turtle protection with profitable fishing.

That time is crucial if a turtle gets snared in the nets dragged behind fishing trawlers. The device’s early tests at sea have been successful, and work is ongoing to toughen it for the real-life rigors, such as being banged on fishing boat decks. The company expects it to cost between $600 and $800, an expense that would fall to fishermen.

“Turtles have also been around since the time of the dinosaurs,” said Elizabeth Griffin of the environmental group, Oceana. “They’re cool animals that I think most people want to see continue to exist.”

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31462430/ns/us_news-environment/

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One Response to “Device could save sea turtles from fishing nets”

  1. Sea Turtles are not just cool, they are part of Hawaiian culture and spiritual belief (bring energy and long life)! There even are laws to protect them to avoid more species to disappear and balance the under-world eco-system…
    I applaud the initiative !

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