Bernama 15 Apr 14;
DUNGUN, April 15 (Bernama) -- The number of turtle fatalities in Terengganu waters each year is worrying, with six found dead during the nesting season between January to April this year.
According to the Director of the Terengganu Fisheries Department, Abdul Khalil Abdul Karim, four of these were of the Green turtle species, while two were the Hawksbill and Olive Ridley.
He told Bernama on Tuesday that last year, 42 turtles (40 Green, two Hawksbill) were found dead in Terengganu waters, compared to 33 in 2012, 22 in 2011, 20 in 2010 and 29 in 2009.
Abdul Khalil said investigations showed that the cause of the turtles' deaths was entanglement in fishing nets and hooks.
He advised fishermen not to use equipment which could trap turtles and jeopardise their landings in Terengganu.
-- BERNAMA
