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Turtles Found Dead On Australian Island Due To Plastic And Fishing Rubbish

Turtles Found Dead On Australian Island Due To Plastic And Fishing Rubbish

Experts were in 'disbelief' when they saw the dead marine life on the beach.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Several animals have been found dead on an Australian island and conservationists believe plastic and fishing rubbish is to blame.

Sea Shepherd Australia have released the grim images of a cormorant and sea turtle washed up on Mulgumpin/Moreton Island, which is just off the coast of Brisbane.

During their second annual clean up of the picturesque landscape, they were shocked to find animals that had died before their time.

Of particular concern was the sea turtle that was discovered wrapped up in a crab-catching net.

Sea Shepherd/Lyndal Carmichael

Sea Shepherd campaign leader Grahame Lloyd said in a statement: "Recreational fishing gear accounted for a great deal of what we recovered on the island.

"We found the remains of eight turtles in just under a ten-kilometre stretch of beach, including bones and shells. It makes me wonder how many had died from ingesting plastics or coming into contact with boats or fishing gear."

Experts say there were clear signs of a struggle and that the turtle likely dragged the crab pot on its back up the beach until it died from exhaustion.

They're campaigning for boats to be more mindful about how they discard old fishing equipment and to ensure nothing gets left in the ocean.

Sea Shepherd photographer Lyndal Carmichael took the snaps of the dead marine life and said it was a grim reminder of how humans are affecting the natural world.

Sea Shepherd/Lyndal Carmichael

"My stomach dropped when I recognised the familiar shape formed by the netting resting on the top of the turtles shell," she said.

"I was in disbelief. Walking around to see the turtle's head and front flippers broken through the side of the netting, the reality set in.

"Fishing gear is a death trap for marine animals. The turtle had entered the open side of the crab pot and had appeared to chew through the opposite side in an attempt to free herself. This turtle's story was clear to see."

It follows a similarly sad discovery on the island last year when a turtle was found to have choked on a bit of rope.

In addition to the dead marine life, the clean up crew found plastic bottles and bottle caps, hard plastic pieces and soft plastic remnants, cigarette lighters, cyalume fishing glow sticks, toothbrushes, rubber thongs, and balloons.

Be mindful about the way you discard your rubbish.

Featured Image Credit: Sea Shepherd/Lyndal Carmichael

Topics: News, Animals, Australia