July 18, Colombo (LNW): The Wildlife Department announced today that unlawful fishing methods, such as bottom trawling, have led to the deaths of marine creatures, including turtles and dolphins, in the nation’s coastal waters.
Officials reported that bottom trawling, an illegal fishing technique, indiscriminately kills marine life, including protected species like dolphins and turtles.
In the past week alone, the Department has discovered ten dead turtles along the western coast.
Postmortem examinations by wildlife veterinarians indicated that these turtles succumbed to breathing difficulties, injuries, and damaged flippers.
Some turtle carcasses were found in advanced stages of decomposition upon reaching the shore, complicating postmortem efforts.
These illegal fishing practices not only harm sea turtles but also pose a significant threat to dolphins and other marine mammals.
The Wildlife Department urges the public to stay vigilant against illegal fishing activities and report any suspicious behaviour to the relevant authorities to help safeguard marine life.
