Harrassing the turtles as in House Hunter episode

[The2ofus]

As was discussed in the House Hunter thread, someone (the villa owner?) is shown apparently trying to ride a turtle.
Anyone else think this is outragous? What would you do if you saw someone doing that? Is it illegal? Aren't they protected?
I'm interested in others opinions on this.
We once saw an attempted rescue of a sea turtle in Mexico that was trapped in a sea pool. I will never forget the look of terror in that poor turtles face when it came up for air as it was being chased around that pool. Seems like chasing one for a ride would be pretty stressful.
I found it appalling. Boorish behaviour. If it was the villa owner shown, IMO he should be ashamed.

[Teresa_Rae]

Yes, it is a mantra of this board, and has been for years: DO NOT TOUCH THE TURTLES!

Perhaps there needs to be better education about it? I feel the same way about other things like touching the coral, there are very few signs telling people not to touch it

[ccinhbg]

It's a shame some people can't enjoy nature without trying to ride it. If it isn't illegal, it should be. Maybe a very large fine would help some people keep their hands to themselves.

[lark22]

My cousin was down on STJ a few years ago and when she got back, she showed me photos of herself grabbing a turtle. I was at a family party, so I couldn't make a scene, but I wanted to...

[Florida Girl]

A woman here in Florida was arrested for trying to ride a manatee. There's no law specifically prohibiting it, but the State Manatee Sanctuary Act deems it a misdemeanor to harass them and she was fined $500.

I think there should be actual laws with much bigger penalties for trying to ride, catch or touch sea animals. They don't come into our homes and harass and chase us, why should we do that to them? In my opinion, it's cruelty to animals.

[cuey12]

A few years ago I saw a couple "catch" a turtle. They were trying to take pictures. I swam over and got their attention. I told them the turtle could have drowned. They laugh at me as if I was crazy. After a discussion, they did not know that turtle breath air. Ignorance plays a big part of most of what we see. The best we can do is politely educate.

[Caw954s]

I do not eat shrimp, unless I know they are farmed. Shrimping kills thousands of sea turtles...I watched a video of this when I was in grad school and the visual just burned into my brain, I haven't had a shrimp since....so harassing sea turtles is illegal and it's awesome that so many are respectful of STJ's wildlife, you get it. Also, think about that seafood you're eating and ask yourself if it was caught responsibly....