Summer Turtle Toll Set To Climb

Newcastle Herald

Saturday January 3, 2009

By DAMON CRONSHAW

A THREATENED green sea turtle was found dead at Wangi Wangi yesterday, sparking renewed calls for people to stop polluting the lake.

It was the sixth dead turtle found in the lake since July.

Turtle enthusiast Alison Dunne said the turtle appeared to be a young female and was 38 centimetres wide and 50 centimetres long.

"It was sad to see another dead turtle, it's happening far too often," Ms Dunne said.

She said turtles were at increased risk over summer because more boating, fishing and other recreational activities around the lake led to more litter.

"There is plastic everywhere at the moment," she said.

Turtles can mistake plastic bags for food, resulting in serious injury and death.

Other threats include fishing hooks and line, illegal fishing nets and boating and power-ski collisions.

Ms Dunne urged people to stop littering and for vessels to look out for surfacing turtles.

The turtle was taken to a vet last night to try to determine the cause of death.

Dead or distressed animals can be reported to the Native Animal Trust Fund emergency rescue hotline on 0418 628 483.

© 2009 Newcastle Herald

Back to News Index | Back to Home