This came down the news wires today:



A ban on commercial harvesting of Florida's freshwater turtles takes effect today. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted last month to approve one of the nation's strongest measures to protect more than two dozen species.





Today (Monday) a historic ban on commercial harvesting of Florida's freshwater turtles takes effect.



The ban is considered the toughest rule on harvesting freshwater turtles in the nation.



The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approved the restrictions last month to protect more than two dozen species. Worldwide demand for turtles has grown so much, a lot of hunters turned to Florida to get their supply.



Turtle meat is considered a delicacy in Asian markets and the shell is used in traditional Chinese medicine.



Florida scientists were concerned the continued harvest of turtles at such a heavy rate would threaten their survival.



The new rule bans the commercial harvest and sale of freshwater turtles in Florida. It also prohibits the collection of turtle eggs.



Critics say the ban goes too far and gives turtles too much protection. State spokeswoman Pat Behnke disagrees.





"I think that anytime you're protecting species in Florida, we have some of the most precious and unique and abundant species in Florida, and anytime you're taking measures to conserve them, you're not going too far."



"Today is a historic day for Florida and its freshwater turtles because today goes into effect the most restrictive rules on harvest of freshwater turtles in the entire country."



Florida's turtle farms will be allowed to collect turtles for breeding for at least two years. The idea is to give farms the ability to develop their own stock and become self-sufficient.





"To try and develop enough turtles so they can be sustainable, that's going to be a sustainable industry. We want to see it going from taking freshwater turtles from the wild into these aquaculture facilities."





The new rule allows individuals to take one turtle a day from the wild for most species.



Behnke says the state's licensed turtle farms will be allowed to collect a limited number of some wild species to help them become self sustaining.
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Holly







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