Protest to Save the Atlantic Sturgeon
November 16 We Will Gather to Call on Our Government Agencies to Act Now to Protect Our Sturgeon From Extinction.
With Only 250 Spawning Adults Left We Are Running Out of Time!
The Delaware River is home to a genetically unique population of Atlantic Sturgeon found nowhere else in the world. The Atlantic sturgeon, listed as a federally protected endangered species since 2012, has a storied history in our Delaware River. Early American settlers said there were so many they could cross the River walking on their backs. But today, there are less than 250 spawning adults left of the River’s genetically unique line. Resource managers and regulatory agencies have neglected their duties to protect the health, habitat, and safety of the sturgeon. Soon it will be too late. The agencies have lacked in their duties by:
- The Delaware River Basin Commission is failing to pass legal standards needed to ensure the sturgeon have enough oxygen in the water to support every aspect of their lives.
- The USEPA is, like the DRBC, failing to ensure needed pollution protection standards.
- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers keeps dredging and deepening the River, inflicting direct harm on the sturgeon and permitting passage of bigger ships that are slicing the sturgeon with their propellers or bashing them to death with their immense size.
- The National Marine Fisheries Service says yes to every dredging, development, port, industrial operation and powerplant put before them, despite their direct harms on the sturgeon.
The sturgeon need your help TODAY before it is too late!
Join Us on November 16th at 11:00 am in a mock funeral procession around Philadelphia City Hall starting on the southeast corner and ending at the US Army Corps of Engineer offices to deliver a message for the sturgeon: We Need Action Now To Save The Atlantic Sturgeon of the Delaware From Extinction.
The truth is, if our agencies don’t start to take immediate action, we will be burying the last of this beautiful ancient species, adding them to the ever growing list of extinct species, and depriving future generations of the opportunity to witness this majestic giant, swimming in the Delaware River.
What is the event:
In a funeral style procession, join as we carry representations of the 180,000 sturgeon already lost and the mere 250 sturgeon that still remain. Come as you want or in funeral attire so these agencies can see that their lack of oversight and protection, spells the death of this keystone and iconic species.
When:
- November 16, Raindate November 17th
- 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM – we will begin to gather at 10 am
Where:
We will start to gather outside City Hall on the southeast corner, walk around City Hall, and circle back to the Army Corps Offices at the Wanamaker Building at 100 East Penn Square, Philadelphia. .
Opportunities to Participate:
In addition to walking with us in procession, we will need volunteers to help carry signs and the representative sturgeon. We would also welcome you bringing your own sign seeking to speak for the sturgeon. Sign up here to let us know you will be joining us and whether you would like to volunteer to help carry our signs or bring your own.
Whether You Can Join Us or Not – Please Sign The Petition below to urge the agencies to act and save the Atlantic Sturgeon of the Delaware.
