Two dead turtles found at Perhentian Island, probably killed by speeding boats, says NGO


  • Nation
  • Wednesday, 02 May 2018

One of the dead turtles, believed to have been killed by speeding boats at Pulau Perhentian. - Photo: Perhentian Turtle Project-

PETALING JAYA: Two turtles were found dead in Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu, with one severed in half, after they were struck by a boat during the Labour Day long weekend holidays.

 

Photos of the animal carcasses, shared by the Perhentian Turtle Project, had gone viral on Tuesday (May 1), sparking shock from netizens.

 

According to project leader Wan Zuriana Wan Sulaiman, the turtles were juvenile and were not sexually mature. Hence, they were unable to identify their gender.

 

"We had a lot of tourists coming to the island for the long weekend and the boat traffic grew really heavy and busy. 

 

"Some of the boatmen drive really fast and this could have caused a boat's propellers to hit the turtles," she said.

 

Wan Zuriana said six turtle deaths had already been reported from March to May this year, with five deaths caused by boat strikes.

 

In 2017, there were 16 reported turtle deaths.

 

There were due to boat strikes, entanglement in "ghost" nets/lines (irresponsibly discarded fishing gear such as lines and nets that continue to trap and harm animals) and other unknown reasons.

 

"If these turtles hadn't been hit, they would have lived a long and prosperous life, swimming thousands of kilometres and seeing many wonders of the oceans that us humans can only dream of," she said in a Facebook post on Wednesday (May 2).

 

"Please, if you are visiting the islands or any area where you know there are turtles present, ask your boat driver to slow down," she added.

 

She said that only one in 10,000 hatchlings that make it to the open sea survives to maturity.

 

"We are in a race against extinction but with everyone's effort we can surely turn the tide," she said.

 

Wan Zuriana said after discovering the dead turtles floating in the water, the Perhentian Turtle Project team together with the local Department of Fisheries, carried the turtle carcasses back to shore and buried it near a shipwreck.

 

She said enforcement is needed to control boat activities and speed limits around the island, especially near turtle nesting areas.

 

She also suggested that boats install propeller guards to prevent the propellers from hurting marine life.

 

 

You can read more at: https://www.facebook.com/perhentianturtleproject/

 

 

PETALING JAYA: Two turtles were found dead in Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu, with one severed in half, after they were struck by a boat during the Labour Day long weekend holidays.

Get 30% off with our ads free Premium Plan!

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month
RM9.73 only

Billed as RM9.73 for the 1st month then RM13.90 thereafters.

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month
RM8.63/month

Billed as RM103.60 for the 1st year then RM148 thereafters.

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Nation

Motorcyclist killed in five-vehicle crash in Kelantan
UM suspends lecturer linked to sexual harassment claims
Stay safe during festive season, says Sabah Fire and Rescue Dept
Businessman, nurse lose nearly RM1mil to two separate scams
Govt approval rating up slightly this year at 51%, survey finds
Police launch Op Lancar to ensure safe, smooth travel
Police corporal yelled for help before going under, say friends
Missing 81-year-old man found safe near Kota Belud
Johor cops rescue duo forced to work as beggars
Bank clerk loses over RM100,000 in phone scam

Others Also Read