When the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) met earlier this week in Dania Beach, they proposed a new rule that would limit the “harvest” of native, freshwater turtles to no more than five per day. If that number seems high to you, you’ll be surprised to learn that currently there are no limits to the numbers of freshwater turtles who can be captured in Florida. No license or permit is required.
(Collecting river cooters and softshell turtles and their eggs is prohibited during their breeding and nesting season, roughly May through July, and there are limits to the capture of a few protected species, such as the alligator snapping turtle.)
The FWC explained that the proposed rule is an attempt to regulate the commercial trade. They noted, “FWC staff are aware of large shipments of freshwater turtles leaving Florida for US and international markets.” Turtles captured in Florida are used for food and sold into the pet trade.
State wildlife agencies are increasingly concerned about the health of America’s turtles. Last month, Oklahoma enacted a three-year moratorium on commercial harvest of turtles from public waters. Many of the 26 turtle species that can be found in Florida are believed to be in decline.
Although we would prefer stricter limits, or a moratorium while they study the status of Florida’s wild turtle populations, we appreciate that the FWC is addressing this issue. Please e-mail the commissioners and express your support of the proposed rule. (There will be a final hearing on the proposed rule at the FWC meeting in September.)
E-mail: Commissioners@MyFWC.com