Save The Turtles, Everglades Area 2A

Hi, my name is Gerald Motes. I am raising money for the restoration of the Soft Shell Turtles in area 2A of the Everglades. These turtles are fully protected by law since they were over harvested commercially and are now a “species of special interest”. I reside on a “man made island” where the turtles come in to nest. This is the only place left for the turtles to lay their eggs (in this area) and need intervention to succeed in numbers. I may have the first and only permit to handle these turtles in South Florida. I have been doing this yearly for the past 13 years now and have documented the protected hatching. This “documentation” is now sent to FWC each year after the season. I learn and improve yearly and wish to extend my efforts by installing a containment vat to hold the turtles for 9 months or so before their release into the wild. This will allow them to get to maybe 3” (or more) before their release whereas currently, they are the size of a dollar coin and are very susceptible to be eaten by almost everything out here at that size. I believe that as much as 40% may survive whereas as much as 80% may survive at a larger size. I have released close to 13.000 over the years off this very small island. All of that was documented and that had a lot to with me getting this permit. Like the Alligators, (once the numbers increase) they will be open once again for recreational harvest (like fishing).This is a long term process and I have received very little financial help. The season is 9 months long and requires a lot of time and labor. This is a “special project” for me and I intend to keep at it for years to come. Your contribution will be appreciated by all conservationists.