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Thank you for your interest in the sea turtles. Let me briefly introduce the organisation SOS Sea Turtles and our goal. SOS Sea Turtles was founded some twenty  years ago by a small group of photographers and journalists. All of us were very concerned and angry about how these animals are treated all over the world. Using our connections to the press and other media we initiated a public information campaign about the turtles by publishing articles world-wide. This created a increased awareness in the millions of people who have seen the horrible pictures and read all the facts about treatment of sea turtles.

Because the enforcement of international laws is a slow and tedious procedure they are very often violated. By informing tourists trough brochures written in almost all mayor languages, SOS Sea Turtles is able to curb the demand for turtle products. For example on the Maldives tortoise-shell souvenirs have practically disappeared from shops thanks to these measures.

Scuba diving organisations especially PADI have turned out to be a very successful way of educating divers. Many thousands of diving instructors use documents provided by SOS Sea Turtles to give to their students. This is to guarantee that divers treat sea turtles in an appropriate manner and encourage their protection.

We are a small and absolutely independent group. Therefore we can decide quickly and without taking too much care about what we write and what we say. Some who did make, or still make profit from Sea Turtles products don't like us very much. But this proves the success of our actions. Sea Turtle needs the support of all divers, tourists, anyone who is concerned about nature in order help to prevent their extinction in a near future.

Please study the enclosed information about the sea turtles. You'll learn that they are seriously endangered. Hundreds of thousands perish in the nets of fishing fleets and due to the effects of pollution. Many are no longer capable of reproducing because their breading grounds have been destroyed by the building of hotels or by overcrowded beaches. The majority however are still caught and killed in the most cruel fashion for there market value.

Only by boycotting all products made from sea turtles can this trade be stopped. Know that you are fare to be a customer for such products but inform others by making use of all your possibilities and power!! Boycott shops and restaurants that sell such products  !!

Spread such information to others. Discuss with owners of shops and restaurants: many have removed such souvenirs and foods from there displays and menus for fear of a drop in sales. Never think that such initiatives are in vain. On the contrary, collectively we make up an entire army contributing to the survival of the sea turtles.

Please feel free to copy this text or ask for more information and show it to all the people you believe can somehow take part in helping the sea turtles.

Thanks in advance for your help, l remain

Yours sincerely
Kurt Amsler

"La Madraque"
Allee des Arbousiers

F - St Cyr sur Mer