We are going to our monthly Save-A-Turtle of the Florida Keys (http://www.save-a-turtle.org/) meeting. For those who don't already know, Mr. Happy Vegan is a volunteer Board member for SAT. Both of us volunteer as well for SAT as beach surveyors for nesting turtles. Meetings are held monthly at the Turtle Hospital (http://www.turtlehospital.org/). Every month there is a guest speaker at the meetings. Tonight, Mr. Larry McKenna, Founding Director of Save our Leatherbacks Operation (SOLO) is the speaker.
Leatherbacks are the largest sea turtle in the world, and can grow in weight to close to 2000 pounds (900kg). Leatherbacks do not nest in the Florida Keys, but they can nest on mainland Florida. About 3 months ago, an adult female leatherback was discovered entangled in lobster trap lines near Bahia Honda State Park, about 3 miles from our bed & breakfast. The Turtle Hospital responded for the rescue, untangling her. She was assessed, and set free, as she was basically unharmed from that near disaster.
I don't know much about Mr. McKenna's organization beyond what is on his web site (http://www.saveourleatherbacks.org/) but what I have read is of grave concern. Leatherbacks are a critically endangered species. From what I read on line, due to poaching, climate crisis and other issues, currently there is a NEGATIVE HATCH RATE for this species. Extinction is certain without intervention such as that of SOLO, in fact, this situation is referred to by SOLO as an extinction spiral. Mr. McKenna's organization frantically works in Indonesia to save the leatherbacks and their nesting sites. Mr. McKenna and those associated with SOLO are dedicated environmentalists. I hope they are able to effect the change they're working so hard for.
Mr. Happy Vegan and I are certainly looking forward to the presentation. We hope there is a good turnout. We want to learn how we can help save the leatherback species, and want to spread the word too. I promise to post more after the meeting to share the information with you.
Leatherbacks are the largest sea turtle in the world, and can grow in weight to close to 2000 pounds (900kg). Leatherbacks do not nest in the Florida Keys, but they can nest on mainland Florida. About 3 months ago, an adult female leatherback was discovered entangled in lobster trap lines near Bahia Honda State Park, about 3 miles from our bed & breakfast. The Turtle Hospital responded for the rescue, untangling her. She was assessed, and set free, as she was basically unharmed from that near disaster.
I don't know much about Mr. McKenna's organization beyond what is on his web site (http://www.saveourleatherbacks.org/) but what I have read is of grave concern. Leatherbacks are a critically endangered species. From what I read on line, due to poaching, climate crisis and other issues, currently there is a NEGATIVE HATCH RATE for this species. Extinction is certain without intervention such as that of SOLO, in fact, this situation is referred to by SOLO as an extinction spiral. Mr. McKenna's organization frantically works in Indonesia to save the leatherbacks and their nesting sites. Mr. McKenna and those associated with SOLO are dedicated environmentalists. I hope they are able to effect the change they're working so hard for.
Mr. Happy Vegan and I are certainly looking forward to the presentation. We hope there is a good turnout. We want to learn how we can help save the leatherback species, and want to spread the word too. I promise to post more after the meeting to share the information with you.
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