Source: http://www.turtle-foundation.org
In China turtles are considered a symbol of longevity and presumably these were destined as cheesy decorative pieces in office receptions and the bosses living room.
The following was the grusome findings from the seizure.
- 296 Hawksbill Turtles, a critically endangered species. Treated with formalin, size of carapace: 20 - 90 cm
- 90 Green Turtles, an endangered species treated with formalin, size of carapace: 20 - 90 cm
- 1 Olive Ridley Turtle, also an endangered species.
- 4 cans of formalin with 25 liters each, 100 Liter in total
- 17 nets with 38 cm nitting distance
- 3 giant mussels, approx. length: 100 cm
- 1 stuffed pufferfish
- 2 speedboats with 60-PS-engines
More information can be found on the Turtle Foundation website. By clicking HERE
3 comments:
About the purchasers, one has to wonder....why? Where is the education outreach in Hong Kong about turtles, in Japan about Bluefin tuna?
The target for these was mainland China, not Hong Kong. There are very active educational programs around conservation issues in Hong Kong, you can seem some samples on the WWF-HK website WWF- HK click
or the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation website
AFCD - turtle
Education on the mainland is probably not wide enough to see any real impact, though there are some efforts. For instance, the mainland government issues a complete fishing ban in the South China Sea, each year... check out the following :
CN fishing ban
Various events for Year of the turtle 2006, see the following website
YoT Month - China
Still much more to be done I am sure and I believe the major issue is the stage that China is in their development, will turtles, sharks and other wildlife survive until Chinese people stop worrying about where there next bowl of rice comes from.
Japan, is another issue and one that I am ignorant about so, I will reserve judgement.
It should be noted that it is only now really that the west is starting to become aware of Ocean and sea conservation, look at the huge overfishing done in the North Altlantic, the destruction of the cod fisheries for instance. Have Europe and North America gotten it right yet.... I think not.
WSe have to do m ore to preserve and govern the waters ! I just recently bought a new Sevylor and if i need to do it myself i will !
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