Endangered Green sea turtles found dead in WV waters

It’s a grieving sight to see carcasses of animals, especially to animal lovers and advocates who help protect and conserve endangered species.

Two Green sea turtles were found dead in the shores of Boracay Island, Aklan, and Cauayan, Negros Occidental recently.

The first carcass of a female Green sea turtle was found near Fairways and Bluewater Boracay in Boracay Island last Jan 2, 2020. Based on its wounds, it is believed that propellers of boats or ships passing by the area may have smashed and split its back.

The carcass was buried after the investigation by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Boracay Island.

In the afternoon of Jan 13, an overpowering smell alarmed residents of  Brgy. Tuyom, Cauayan, Negros Occidental.

The odor emanated from the carcass of a female Green sea turtle that turned up on the shores of the barangay. It’s carapace or exterior shell was 90 centimeters long and 75 cm wide.

CENRO Kabankalan personnel saw discoloration on its carapace and flippers and its organs were disintegrating.

Although deaths and grave threats of marine animals, especially turtles, may possibly be caused by boats and ships, other factors also include human actions such as killing them for their eggs and selling the carapace for souvenirs; getting tangled in fishing nets and even plastic wastes that are thrown into the sea.

Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) are one of the world’s largest species of turtle that can live up to 80 years in the wild if left alone. They feed on marine plants such as seaweeds and seagrass.

Green sea turtles are considered endangered (E) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

“Our department always supports the protection and conservation of our marine animals. It is a grieving moment to know some of the marine animal species die in violent ways. We, however, continue with our conservation efforts to boost the turtle population such as protecting their hatching areas. I, therefore, encourage all to stop throwing garbage into oceans that slowly but surely kill our marine animals especially turtles,” Department of Environment and Natural Resources 6 Regional Executive Director Francisco E. Milla Jr. said. (DENR-6)