27 September 2005

To Whom It May Concern

I am writing this letter in support of the proposal by Keith Rittmaster and Vicky Thayer, in partnership with the NC Maritime Museum, to set up monofilament recovery and recycling location in coastal North Carolina. As coordinator of the NC Sea Turtle Project, I am familiar with the negative impacts of discarded monofilament on marine animals, in particular on sea turtles. Each year, we recover dozens of sea turtles that have either been injured or killed from interacting with discarded monofilament in our coast waters. When instituted, this project would have major beneficial impacts for marine turtles that frequent North Carolina waters, and would help the Wildlife Resources Commission achieve its goal of managing and maintaining healthy viable sea turtle populations.

The proposed project is well organized and provides a multi-pronged approach to the issue, including education components as well as setting up disposal and recycling centers and collaborating with other organizations and agencies (such as the NC Wildlife Resources Commission) that have similar goals. Both Keith and Vicky are particularly well-suited to carry out this project successfully, given their background and experience in the area. Their combined wealth of contacts alone guarantees that they will be able to reach to the maximum number of targets possible. The project also fits will with the Maritime Museum, which has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to improving the maritime environment in North Carolina.

I strongly support the project and urge you to provide the funding requested.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you wish to discuss any issues related to this project.

Sincerely,