Will Foster, left, carries a sea turtle while accompanied by his daughter, Sarah Foster, on the beach in Port Aransas on Saturday, June 18. They were among folks helping the Amos Rehabilitation Keep (ARK) release rehabilitated sea turtles at the water’s edge that day. The Fosters are among ARK Turtle Patrollers who help search for nesting sea turtles. U.S. Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Ed Markey of Massachusetts recently introduced legislation called the Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance Act, which would establish a new grant program to fund the rescue, recovery and research of sea turtles. (More sea turtle release photos are on Page 1B.) Staff photo by Lee Harrison
Sick and injured sea turtles found in Port Aransas waters could benefit from a proposed grant program to fund the rescue, recovery and treatment of the animals.
U.S. Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Ed Markey of Massachusetts recently introduced legislation called the Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance Act, which would establish such a program.
“Sen. Cornyn’s understanding of the importance of Texas’ natural resources is certainly reflected in this legislation for which we are very grateful,” said Alicia Walker, program coordinator with the Amos Rehabilitation Keep (ARK).
Located at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute, the ARK rescues and mends many sick and injured sea turtles each year.
Walker pointed out that many sea turtles belong to endangered species.
“Additional support to bolster rescue and recovery is greatly needed,” she said. “It’s more important than ever to support these animals, and the recent stranding of loggerhead sea turtles is further proof that sea turtle populations are still threatened and need our support.”
Walker said folks at the ARK “look forward to submitting proposals with our partner organizations pending the passage of this act.”
In a news release, Cornyn said:
“The waters off the Texas Gulf coast are home to several species of sea turtles which are crucial to the health of our diverse marine ecosystem. This legislation will support the rescue and recovery efforts of today while also investing in research to better protect the future of America’s sea turtle population.”
The legislation would create a new grant program at the Department of Commerce to fund the rescue, recovery and research of sea turtles in the U.S., according Cornyn’s release.
Leave a Reply