FWC to hold workshop in Tampa on freshwater turtle harvests

FWC to hold workshop in Tampa on freshwater turtle harvests

OCTOBER 29, 2008 - The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will begin hearing input on the harvest of Florida’s freshwater turtles.

On Thursday, Nov. 20, the FWC will collect information from turtle experts, including scientists and fishermen, and from concerned residents regarding a long-term plan for the harvest of freshwater turtles. The meeting will be 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Tampa Port Authority Board Room, 1101 Channelside Dr. in Tampa.

Concerns over the increased demand for freshwater turtles led the FWC to consider what impact the harvests have on the species.

The FWC recently enacted a new rule on the harvest of freshwater turtles, further restricting their harvest. The new rule limits the harvest of wild Florida freshwater turtles to five per day per person. Each fisherman with a commercial license will be allowed to harvest an additional 15 Florida softshell turtles per day, for a total of 20 per day.

The FWC passed this rule to protect freshwater turtle populations while it develops a long-term comprehensive strategy for sustainable use and conservation of amphibian and reptile populations. Recent reports of unusually large freshwater turtle harvests coincide with reports that the demand for freshwater turtles as food and pets has increased.

"We expect to bring the strategy for freshwater turtles back to the Commission in the next year," FWC scientist Bill Turner said. "We will continue discussions with the public, turtle experts and fishermen until we decide on the best management plan."

The public is invited to attend and provide information and engage in an open discussion of the pertinent information regarding freshwater turtle harvest in Florida.

The FWC is specifically seeking information from anyone with first-hand knowledge of the harvest.