Warning after turtle deaths

A sudden spate of turtle deaths has prompted conservationists to call on boaters to slow down on the water.

The move comes after two dead green turtles were washed up on our shores in the last few days with propeller injuries.

And it follows a further five reports of injured or ‘compromised’ turtles floating on the surface in the last week.

Wildlife Ecologist, Mark Outerbridge, from Conservation Services told the Sun: “We do tend to get more of these reports in the summer when more boats are on the water.

“But it is certainly is an issue at the moment.

“We would urge boaters to heed the five knot signs and the turtle warning signs in areas like Ferry Reach and Ely’s Harbour.

“Wearing polarized glasses can also help boat operators see these turtles on the surface.

“The main message is just to pay attention and go slowly.”

Just this weekend an adult male green turtle was  found dead by Bermuda Audubon Society members floating near Darrell’s Island.

The back of its shell had been severely shattered by a propeller.

A second decapitated turtle was also reported in the East End.

Andrew Dobson, President of the Bermuda Audubon Society, added: “Green Turtles are one of our special marine reptiles which were almost extirpated by the early settlers.

“In fact one of the earliest pieces of New World legislation was passed in 1620 to prevent the killing of young turtles in Bermuda.

“Today turtles are not caught for food in Bermuda but their greatest danger is powerboats. This turtle was hit from behind while coming to the surface to breathe. The rear of the carapace or shell was completely shattered.

Watch out

“It serves as an example to all boat owners - please have fun but keep a constant watch for turtles on the surface.

“Some coastal areas are known to have greater numbers of turtles especially where there is turtle grass, so the Audubon Society encourages responsible use of boats with a care for the marine environment.”

BEST Chairman, Stuart Hayward, told the Sun: ““On the water, speed and power are big factors but the conflict is mainly between human-driven machines and marine animals.

“Far too often the problem is centered in an attitude that any problem arising that involves me is  not my fault and not my problem.

“This and similar attitudes reinforce the need for heightened enforcement.

“Of course we can lecture and coach and educate and plead until we are blue in the face, but without a strict code of enforcement to show we mean business, the rules and the coaching will likely be dismissed by the hard core scofflaws.

“And those most vulnerable, like turtles, will suffer most.” n