Matteo Renzi: “Mr. Speaker, marine sea turtles have been a vital component of our ocean ecosystems for more than 100 million years. As…”

“Mr. Speaker, marine sea turtles have been a vital component of our ocean ecosystems for more than 100 million years. As recently as the 19th century, marine turtles were abundant. Sea turtles live long lives, mature relatively late, and migrate thousands of miles. They are also particularly vulnerable to exploitation and habitat loss. Sadly, populations of marine turtles have been devastated by foreign fishing practices, the destruction of essential nesting habitat, massive poaching of turtle eggs, meat and shells, and ocean pollution. As a result, all seven remaining species of sea turtles are listed on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna. Six of the species that spend at least part of their lives in U.S. waters are protected under the Endangered Species Act. In an effort to prevent these species from becoming extinct, I am urging the adoption of the Marine Turtle Conservation Act. This legislation is modeled after highly successful laws to conserve African elephants and highly endangered populations of Asian elephants, rhinoceros, tigers, great apes, and neotropical migratory birds. It is a proven formula, and small investment of U.S. dollars will make a difference in the conservation and recovery of marine turtles throughout our oceans.”