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WASHINGTON, DC-Congressman Henry E. Brown, Jr. (R-SC), an ardent advocate for coastal wildlife conservation, applauded passage of legislation he sponsored to add new tools to assist in the conservation of marine turtles, including South Carolina’s loggerhead sea turtles, and their nesting habitats in foreign countries. After passage of H.R. 509, the Marine Turtle Conservation Reauthorization Act, Brown issued the following statement:
“I am pleased with my colleagues’ support of the Marine Turtle Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2009 as it will further protect the seven species of marine turtles which were once abundant throughout the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans.
This legislation will specifically work to preserve the Loggerhead, Kemp’s Ridley, Green and Leatherback sea turtles that nest along the beaches of the First District of South Carolina. In fact, this year, there have already been 1,989 reported sea turtle nests along the South Carolina coast.
Additionally, H.R. 509 will further reinforce the powerful message of the Marine Turtle Conservation Act of 2004 to the international community, that the United States is still willing to take proactive conservation efforts to save these flagship species from extinction.
Again, I applaud the passage of this bill and am confident that we will be able to continue protecting these animals and ensure that not a single one of these six species of marine turtles disappear during our lifetime.”
As a bellwether species for the health of the world’s oceans, marine turtles have been a vital component of our ocean ecosystems for more than 100 million years. They have long symbolized longevity, fertility and strength. Congressman Brown is proud of the fact that populations of loggerhead sea turtles nest on the beaches in South Carolina where they are highly protected.
“The health of our seas and its marine life are essential to the health of our planet. Ripley’s Aquariums are very appreciative that even in these tough economic times Congress appreciates the need to continue programs dedicated to Marine conservation. We support Congressman Brown’s efforts in this arena,” said Peter MacIntyre, General Manager of Ripley’s Aquarium. “Congressman Brown recognizes that among the most threatened of marine populations are many sea turtle species. Reauthorization of the Marine Turtle Conservation Act is essential in maintaining initiatives that are producing positive results in this very important conservation effort.”
The South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston, SC is assisting in this protection effort, using its facilities to aid sick and injured sea turtles through its Sea Turtle Rescue Program. When an unhealthy sea turtle is found along the coast, it is brought to their Turtle Hospital by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources where animal care staff can begin to monitor and treat the animal in their state-of-the-art facility.
“Saving critically endangered species requires strong leadership and concerted effort, and we are grateful for the continued championing of marine turtles by Congressman Brown,” said Kevin Mills, president and CEO of the South Carolina Aquarium.
Wildlife conservation has truly always been one of Congressman Brown’s top priorities as he has worked diligently for a dramatic increase in funding for sea turtle conservation. To learn more about Congressman Brown’s work with other marine species and his previous efforts on the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries, Oceans and Wildlife, visit http://republicans.resourcescommittee.house.gov/fisheries.shtml.
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