Save the Turtles

I was recently forwarded a copy of Stan Delaplane’s article about the Fiji Islands (Nov. 17, 1985). Apparently you are unaware that sea turtles are a critically endangered species. You must also not know that anyone entering the United States with sea turtle products--or products derived from other endangered and threatened species of plants and animals--are violating the federal Endangered Species Act. Otherwise you would not have encouraged your readers to consume sea turtle or purchase tortoise-shell products in Fiji.

The casual purchase of turtle products by tourists is pushing sea turtle populations closer to the brink of extinction. It would be a shame if tourists of the future could not see these amazing animals in the wild because of misinformed tourists today.

MICHAEL WEBER

director, Sea

Turtle Rescue Fund

Washington, D.C.