1. California’s New State Symbol Pacific Leatherback Sea Turtle AB 1776 – Fong Sponsors: Turtle Island Restoration Network

2. Great Pacific Leatherback Migration

3. California Coast Turtle-Safe ESA Critical Habitat 16,000 square miles in CA 42,000 square miles total February 2012 – first along U.S. mainland Pacific Leatherback Conservation Area No Drift Gillnets Aug 15 to Nov. 15 – One Take since 2001 Critically Endangered 90 precent decline in populations 6 percent per year 1,100 to 1,500 total nesters at one key Indonesian beach

4. Threat – Drift Gillnet Expansion Declining fishery due to high bycatch and restrictions 2010 – up to 16 sperm whales entangled – at least two dead Now in violation of ESA and MMPA Less than 50 vessels, permits limited by state Swordfish consumption declining in CA and US since mid-1990s Federal fishery managers proposing fishing in Leatherback Conservation Area Similar proposal defeated in 2006 by CA and public outcry March 2013 Pacific Fishery Council Management Meeting – alternatives and decision to move forward High Bycatch Swordfish and Shark Fishery

5. Action Requested CCC Oppose Drift Gillnet Expansion - letter or reso Consistent with CCC Actions on previous proposals for Exempted Fishing Permits for Drift Gillnet and Longline Fisheries Federal Actions Inconsistent with Coastal Zone Management Act Deadline February 7 for comment for March 2013 PFMC meeting Photos at left of entangled marine life in CA drift gillnet fishery acquired through FOIA request to National Marine Fisheries Service. More at www.seaturtles.org