Southwest Florida is world renowned for its natural, untouched beauty reminiscent of a time before widespread human civilization. It was during that time that all animals simply followed the natural cycle of life. Since humans have grown in population and developed the land they live on with, Mother Nature has suffered.
Though not all blame can be placed strictly on humans, our actions are the cause of many species becoming endangered or completely extinct. In just southwest Florida, we have a number of species that are listed as endangered. This list includes…
- American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus)
- Green turtle (Chelonia mydas)
- Atlantic Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys kempi)
- Atlantic hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
- Atlantic leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
- Cape Sable seaside sparrow (Ammodramus maritima mirabilis)
- Snail (Everglades) kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus)
- Wood stork (Mycteria americana)
- West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus)
- Florida panther (Felis concolor coryi)
- Key Largo wood rat (Neotoma floridana smalli)
- Key Largo cotton mouse (Peromyscus gossypinus allapaticola)
- Red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis)
- Schaus swallowtail butterfly (Papilio aristodemus ponceanus)
- Garber’s Spurge (Chamaesyce garberi)
We cannot erase what we have done so far in relation to the dwindling populations of these creatures—but we can change how we act and react in the future. It is up to all of us to conserve, prevent and support legislation to save our ecosystems.
At Good Time Charters, it is extremely important to us to do all we can to protect planet earth and all of her creatures. We follow all regulations and laws regarding operating our vessels, as well as Florida fishing guidelines. It is imperative to our business that we not only do our part to protect our local environment, but teach others about the value conservation brings to all.
“Today it is not enough to merely appreciate nature, we have to actively work to protect it. What we do today toward that goal is the legacy we leave our children and their children. The extinction of a species is forever … and the decision is ours.”
