The Olive Ridley Turtles population decreased at an unprecedented rate during the 1970s and 1980s and reached its all-time low in the early 1990s. Environmental Scientists determined that the decrease in population was due to the national policy that permitted fishing in coastal areas with drift nets.

Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the assertion made by the scientists?

The fishing in coastal areas with drift nets policy did not extend to the Southern coast.

In the time since the fishing in coastal areas with drift nets policy was revoked in 1993, the population of Olive Ridley Turtles has grown at a steady rate.

Olive Ridley Turtles like other reptiles, breed where very little food is available.

The various smaller fish - sea dwellers that constitute the Olive Ridley Turtle's diet - felt no adverse effects from the fishing in coastal areas with drift nets policy.