Gulf sea turtle reprieve proposal

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have proposed to reclassify the green sea turtle under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and list turtles originating from Florida Gulf Coast and Pacific Coast Mexico breeding populations currently considered endangered, down to a threatened species category due to improvements in populations. After review of the global status of green sea turtles, both agencies are proposing to reclassify the species under an ESA agency to maintain federal protections while providing an approach for managers to address specific threats. The agencies have begun a 90-day public comment period for this proposal. Deadline for comments is June 22. (Source: NOAA 03/20/15)