WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and passed by the U.S. Senate, will help conserve and recover cherished species like the Kemp's Ridley sea turtle at a time they and other sea turtle species are facing immense challenges. Sea turtle strandings are increasingly common, from Cape Cod to the Texas Gulf Coast, as populations are facing growing environmental and human-caused threats, such as rapid temperature changes, by catch, pollution, vessel strikes, and entanglement in marine debris.

“Unfortunately, all sea turtle species in the United States are listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. This bipartisan bill invests in the critical work organizations across the country are doing to rescue, rehabilitate sea turtles, while also underscoring the importance of supporting science-based conservation efforts,” said Jill Feldhusen, manager of Wildlife Policy, National Wildlife Federation. “This legislation, and the realities facing sea turtles, highlight the stakes for species in the Gulf and beyond, and why policymakers should take every step possible to safeguard and recover sea turtles. We are grateful for Senator Markey and Senator Cornyn’s continued leadership on this issue.”