$18K Offered for Capture of 'Turtle Terrorists'

The reward for information that leads to the arrest of two people accused of running over loggerhead sea turtle nests and killing two shorebird chicks has climbed to more than $18,000.

PETA, a private resident and a number of environmental groups have stepped forward increase the reward amount being offered in the case, Fox news is reporting.

The cast in question unfolded June 27 around 10:30 p.m. when two people are accused of letting a joyride on the beach get out of hand.

That joyride, as it turned out, resulted in five loggerhead sea turtle nests being run over and two shorebird chicks being killed. Now, the Holmes Beach Police Department wants to speak to the folks responsible. The incident, officials say, occurred around 10:30 p.m. June 27 on the beach near 30th Avenue in Holmes Beach.

Capt. Paul Watson, the founder of Sea Shepherd, was among the first to step forward to offer a $2,000 reward for the capture of the “two turtle terrorists.” Sea Shepherd is a nonprofit marine wildlife conservation organization that was founded in 1977. “Our mission is to end the destruction of habitat and the slaughter of wildlife in the world’s oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species,” the organization’s website explains.

Sea Shepherd officials say the marked turtle nests were intentionally run over with endangered loggerhead sea turtle eggs inside. The seabird chicks killed were two black skimmers.

See Also:

• ‘Turtle Terrorists’ Worth $2K in Reward Money
• 299 Sea Turtle Eggs Rescued from Poacher
• Pinellas Beaches Not Named Critical Sea Turtle Habitat
• Watch: 2 Loggerhead Hatchlings Swim to Freedom

“Sea Shepherd is offering this reward not only in the hope that these two individuals will be brought to justice for their reckless actions which have led to the destruction of marine wildlife – including endangered sea turtles – but also to raise awareness of the importance of protecting the many species that call Florida’s and the world’s ocean and shores home,” the organization said in a statement. “Senseless and violent crimes committed against marine life and their fragile eco-systems must be taken seriously and punished to the full extent of the law.”

Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call the Holmes Beach Police Department at 941-708-5804. Tips may also be submitted through Crime Stoppers of Manatee County by calling 866-632-TIPS.

Sea turtles are protected under federal law. It is illegal to harass or interfere with them in any way or to disturb a nest. Anyone who sees someone disturbing a sea turtle is asked to call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922) or local law enforcement.

Photo courtesy of the Sarasota Police Department