PETITION TARGET: Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Mike Johnson
A helpless sea turtle — frantic to find warmth but virtually paralyzed — was found just in time by members of the Treasure Island, Florida Police Department’s Community Service Crew. Sadly, many sea turtles are not so lucky: They are increasingly washing ashore cold-stunned, injured, and unable to survive without help. Cold-stunning occurs when water temperatures drop too quickly, leaving turtles unable to move and at risk of drowning or death, according to the National Park Service.
Most rescue and rehabilitation work still relies on volunteers with limited funding, even as strandings increase. A bipartisan bill aims to change that, as announced by Senator Edward Markey’s office. The Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act, introduced as S.843/H.R.347, would create a grant program at the Department of Commerce to support sea turtle rescue, recovery, and research across the United States.
The legislation would authorize $5 million annually through 2030 to help stranding networks and coastal responders save more turtles. “Turtles require rescue, but without this bill, their rescuers don’t have the resources required to save them,” said Senator Markey. “This bill addresses a gap in our nation’s marine stranding system and solves it.”
With the Senate version passed, the responsibility now lies with the U.S. House of Representatives.
Please sign our petition urging Speaker Mike Johnson and House leadership to pass the Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act and ensure endangered sea turtles receive the care they need.
