Turtles ‘face extinction’ without marine protection

Nick Collins, Science Correspondent, in Vancouver

12:01AM GMT 18 Feb 2012. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/

Critically endangered sea creatures like Pacific turtles face extinction unless conservation zones are shifted to follow their migration paths, experts have warned.

Current marine protection areas designed to preserve under-threat species generally cover fixed geographical spots where they feed, mate or rear their young.

But to prevent endangered turtles, sharks and other creatures from dying out the designated no-fishing zones ought to be made mobile to ensure the species are always protected, experts said.

Although the concept has existed for some time, it has only recently become technologically feasible to constantly monitor endangered animals and shift conservation areas accordingly.

Satellite tracking devices are now small and affordable enough that they can monitor the precise location, including the depth, of large numbers of sea creatures. Read the full article at http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/wildlife/9088266/Turtles-face-extinction-without-marine-protection.html