1989-081 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

RESOLUTION NO. 89-81 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA, TO THE GOVERNOR AND THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA IN SUPPORT OF THE USE OF TURTLE EXCLUDER DEVICES (TEDs). WHEREAS, the State of Florida has been very involved in efforts to conserve the sea turtles that nest on our shores and forage in our waters; and WHEREAS, citizens of Florida volunteer thousands of hours throughout the state to patrol and protect nesting sea turtles and their eggs and hatchlings; and WHEREAS, sea turtles are listed as endangered and threatened species and are protected under the Endangered Species Act and Florida State law; and WHEREAS. the five species of sea turtles found in Florida waters are captured and drowned in shrimp trawls each year; and WHEREAS, expert government and non-government biologists have concluded that restrictions on the time that shrimp fishermen can keep their nets in the water (90 and 105 minute tow times) are not enforceable and cannot prevent the drowning of sea turtles; and WHEREAS, the National Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have identified the use of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in shrimp nets as the only way to prevent the ::rowning of sea turtles and promote the recovery of the aforementioned species; and WHEREAS, unprecedented numbers of the Kemp's ridley, the world's most endangered sea turtle, have stranded on Florida beaches this year as a result of shrimping; and WHEREAS, the State of Florida Marine Fisheries Commission and the Governor and Cabinet declared an emergency in August 1989 and passed an emergency rule requiring use of TEDs in all Florida waters; and WHEREAS, the State of Florida Marine Fisheries Commission has approved a permanent rule that would require the use of TEDs and this rule is now pending approval by the Governor and Cabinet; and WHEREAS, it is a benefit to the citizens to protect sea turtles as part of Florida's unique heritage; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS that the emergency and permanent state rules that mandate the use of Turtle Excluder Devices are fully supported, and the Governor and Cabinet are urged to approve and implement the permanent regulation with all due haste.