surging news reporter Diao Fanchao
On September 24, the China Sea Turtle Conservation Alliance (hereinafter referred to as the "Sea Turtle Alliance") and the International Nature Conservation Agency Wild Aid (WildAid) jointly launched the "Sea Turtle Warriors Assembly" action online, calling on the whole society to participate in sea turtle protection. The actor Peng Yuyan, as the representative of the "turtle warrior", called on the public to join the team to protect sea turtles and pay attention to and participate in the protection of sea turtles.
"Sea Turtle Warriors Assembly" campaign poster
"Since participating in the protection of sea turtles, I have increasingly realized that the people who protect sea turtles should not only be law enforcement officers, scientists and environmental protection workers, but more "turtle warriors" are needed. No matter what occupation you are in, no matter where you live, these things are all you can do. When everyone is willing to join the'turtle warrior', the moment of salvation waiting for the turtle will come." Peng Yuyan said.
Although people’s awareness of sea turtles has increased, people living far away from the sea do not know what they can do to protect them. In this regard, Steve, the chief representative of Wild Rescue Beijing, said during the event: “In fact, each of us can do something, such as reducing the use of plastic bags and other disposable plastic products; in tourist areas where there are sea turtle spawning grounds, we strictly observe Related regulations, do not disturb sea turtles laying eggs; do not buy illegal sea turtle products; do not release sea turtles privately; report illegal sea turtle product transactions that you see in the market or online, etc. Ordinary people can also become warriors to protect sea turtles. The protection of sea turtles is most needed.”
sea turtles are important flagship species in the marine ecosystem. In recent years, global sea turtle populations have been affected by global warming, marine pollution, illegal poaching, fishing and release, and illegal trade in sea turtle products. The quantity and quality of habitat continue to decline. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) has determined that six of the seven species of sea turtles in the world are at risk of extinction. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Animals and Plants (CITES) lists all seven species of sea turtles in Appendix I, prohibiting international trade in sea turtles and their products.
There are 5 species of sea turtles distributed in my country’s seas. In July this year, the new "List of National Key Protected Wild Animals (Draft for Comment)" published by the State Forestry and Grassland Administration and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs included all species of sea turtles distributed in my country. Upgraded to a national first-level key protected species.
In this context, the Returnees Alliance and Wild Rescue jointly launched the "Turtle Warriors Rally" operation, inviting actor Peng Yuyan as a turtle warrior to sound the rallying call to find the "Turtle Warriors" through the Internet, social media and outdoor advertising, etc. Various media channels invite the public to pay attention to and participate in sea turtle protection. The
Sea Turtle Alliance was established on May 24, 2018. Its member units include 98 units including fishery authorities at all levels in coastal provinces, protected areas, scientific research institutions, colleges and universities, social groups and non-governmental organizations, enterprises and media. The alliance members released more than 1,200 sea turtles that were accidentally arrested and recovered in three years.
In August of this year, the Alliance released 99 rescued and recovered sea turtles to the sea in the waters near Boundary Island, Hainan, and installed satellite trackers on several of them. The data collected shows that some of these turtles have crossed the Taiwan Strait northward, and some have reached the Philippines in the south. Responsible editor: Jiang Chenrui
