Jupiter, Florida Man Cited For Keeping Loggerhead Sea Turtles In Home Aquarium

by | Jul 16, 2015 | Conservation, Science | 0 comments

071515+loggerhead+turtle+babies+in+tank+jupiterThe Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission cited a Jupiter, Florida man for keeping two Loggerhead Sea Turtles in his home aquarium. The man stated he found the turtles in his canal and put them in his aquarium for his daughters to see earlier this year. He stated he grew attached to the turtles, and did not release them. Although one can momentarily understand the excitement this man imagined for his daughters, coming home to see the turtles in their tank, this is a serious offense. The Loggerhead Turtle is classified as an Endangered Species. Federal Law prohibits the taking, selling, harassing or otherwise bothering Loggerheads or their nests.He was given a first degree misdemeanor citation for possessing the two Loggerheads. The turtles were taken by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission to Loggerhead Marine Life Sanctuary Center, and the turtles were released back to the wild. Capturing a Loggerhead sea turtle is punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1000.00 fine. MORE

  • Francis is a marine biologist with an MBA and over 20 years of professional aquarium experience. Francis is the former Aquatic Development Manager at Hagen USA., makers of Fluval brand aquarium products. He co-stars on Nat Geo WILD's reality TV series Fish Tank Kings where he is the resident "Fish Geek" and was Director of Marketing at Living Color Aquariums. He is an avid explorer having visited over 45 countries and lived in 7. At 17, he was among the youngest aquarists ever hired by the Vancouver Aquarium, where he worked for 7 years. His aquatic biology experience ranges from larval fish rearing to the design, construction and operational management of renowned public aquariums around the world. Francis is currently head of marketing at the world's largest vertically integrated fish farming company.

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