The whole turtle thing flips back and forth depending on who you ask. Most everyone is initially concerned with them competing for food. If your feeding and can't stand to see them eat your hard earned money, then removal or reduction in numbers makes sense. Some enjoy seeing the turtles eat the feed and don't mind what little feed they steal from the fish. If your not feeding then the turtles shouldn't be a concern. They serve a good purpose as clean up crew by eating the dead and dying. Not to mention when you hook into a 10 pounder it makes for a good fight AND/OR a lost hook. My opinion is...a few are good to have (especially if you have a variety), nice to watch, and the kids/company enjoy seeing them, but if my pond would get too many I would have to ask myself "Why so many?". I'll cross that bridge if it comes around.

Fish on!,
Noel