Australia: Scientists baffled as Townsville turtle deaths rise to 73

Alina Derevyanko Sydney Morning Herald 29 Jun 12;

The death toll of vulnerable green sea turtles south of Townsville has shown no signs of slowing down, with more sick animals washing up on beaches today.

Queensland authorities have carried out two helicopter surveys after more than 20 of the vulnerable species, mostly adult females, were discovered washed up on beaches around Upstart Bay last week.

Two more were found today on Wunjunga Beach, about 100 kilometres south of Townsville, and their cause of death continue to baffle scientists.

A total of 73 dead turtles have now been discovered.

Marty McLaughlin, operations manager at Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services, says the turtles were nourished with no obvious signs of illness.

"This is classified as an unusual event," Mr McLaughlin said.

"We now have better data about the number of turtles, but they are continuing to wash up.

"We still can't rule out poisoning as toxicology reports have yet to be finalised."

The department says the results from toxicology will be known over the next two weeks.

The deaths have come just weeks after a damning UNESCO report criticising Australia's management of the Great Barrier Reef, an important feeding area for green sea turtles.

The species is considered vulnerable under national legislation and a loss of just one breeding sized individual can have an impact on the population.

Most of the green turtles found dead have been adult females, with some adult males and adolescents as well.

Adults have a shell length of about one metre and average about 130 kg, although some nesting females can weigh more than 180 kg.

AAP

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/scientists-baffled-as-townsville-turtle-deaths-rise-to-73-20120629-217fd.html#ixzz1zECTFB7Y