Ancient Sea Turtles Stranded in a Modern World 1998
Distributed by Bullfrog Films, PO Box 149, Oley, PA 19547; 800-543-FROG (3764)
Produced by Steve Cowan for the Sea Turtle Restoration Project of Earth Island Institute
Director n/a
VHS, color, 28 min.
Jr. High - Adult
Environmental Studies
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Barbara Butler, University of Oregon Institute of Marine BiologySea turtles have existed on earth for over 100 million years, but now six of the seven species of sea turtles are either threatened or endangered due to ocean pollution, destruction of nesting sites, poaching, or entanglement in fishing gear.
Seine nets use by shrimp trawlers can entangle turtles and while trawls may last for several hours, turtles can survive 40 minutes without air. The shrimp fishery is the number one cause of turtle mortality and is responsible for 35% of the world's total bycatch.
A simple solution is the TED or "turtle excluder device" which is inserted into the shrimp fishing net. TEDs allow turtles and other large species to escape the shrimp seines and have reduced bycatch by 60%. While TEDs have proven to be 97% effective in Georgia shrimp fisheries, they have not been well received by Gulf Coast shrimp fishermen.
Ancient Sea Turtles weaves together interview footage from Georgia and Gulf Coast shrimpers, fisheries biologists, and turtle experts. Good editing and the inclusion of a variety of opinions make for a thought provoking video. It is easy to see why this film won a "Bronze Apple" at the National Educational Media Network Competition and a "Merit Award" at the International Wildlife Film Festival.
Ancient Sea Turtles also discusses the other threats to sea turtles including exploitation of eggs, encroachment on nesting habitat, and shrimp aquaculture. Shrimp ponds can introduce chemical and biological pollutants into the seas frequented by sea turtles. Shrimp that are harvested from the open ocean, using nets that incorporate TEDS, are probably less detrimental to sea turtles and their habitat than pond reared shrimp.
Although the video relies on some aquarium footage for close-up turtle shots, it is well crafted, balanced and well edited. It is a thought-full and convincing argument for turtle conservation and presents not only a description of the problem, but also a glimpse of the solution. Geared towards grades 7-12, college and adult audiences, it is an appropriate addition to junior high, high school, college and public libraries and I recommend this video very highly.