Tagged turtle taken

Authorities are reminding people that turtles are protected by law following the removal of a large green turtle that had washed ashore on <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 />Corindi Beach, north of Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia earlier this month (03/08).

The 1.5 meter green turtle, listed as a threatened species in New South Wales, had been tagged on Fraser Island in 1999 and recorded nesting at Northwest Island off Gladstone in 1999 and again on Heron Island in 2000.

A local who found the turtle (03/08) recorded its tag number and attempted to return it to the sea however it died soon after.

An appalling aspect is a report that a short time later a number of males came along and removed the animal from the beach, possibly after cutting it up.

It is of concern that someone would take a marine turtle as they are protected by law and it is an offence to harm them or take parts such as the shell.

Possession of turtle shells is strictly controlled as international trade has been identified as one of the threats to the species.

Licences are restricted to educational institutions and museums and severe penalties including gaol terms apply to buying, selling or possessing threatened species or their parts.

This shell may have been removed in ignorance of the law and we are offering the offenders the opportunity to do the right thing and return the turtle.

If anyone has any information regarding this incident they are urged to contact the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Grafton. Telephone (02) 66411500. All information will be treated confidentially.

Green turtles are one of five species of turtles recorded in NSW.

Threats to their survival include over-fishing in most tropical countries, habitat damage and loss, predation of eggs and hatchlings by foxes, pigs, dogs and other predators, pollution and litter.
Many marine turtles feed on jellyfish. Discarded plastic bags, which can resemble jellyfish, are responsible for many turtle deaths.

An easy way you can help turtles is minimising use of plastic bags and disposing of them properly.

The NPWS is also keen to hear from members of the community who discover any turtle nesting or nests and ask that these nests remain undisturbed.