Green Turtle (IMAGE) University of Exeter Caption The first marine turtle harvest legislation was instigated in Bermuda in 1620 to protect "so excellent a fish" and prohibited taking any turtle "under 18 inches in the breadth or diameter." A new study has found that 42 countries or territories around the world permit the harvest of marine turtles -- and estimates that more than 42,000 turtles are caught each year by these fisheries. Credit Peter Richardson Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.