Urging For Proper Investigations On The Deaths Of Sea Turtles In Terengganu
30th January saw the 16th dead sea turtle found in Terengganu this year so far, compared to 55 from the entirety of 2021. This raises critical concerns on the alarming number of turtle deaths recorded on Malaysia’s east coast within such a short period.
In 2021, 20 sea turtle deaths were officially reported in the first five months. In comparison, the unprecedented numbers of stranded dead turtles found in such a brief period this year, strongly shows that there may be other mitigating factors.
The assumptions thus far are that the cause of the recent deaths were due to marine debris or pollution as only brief external examinations were conducted. Other possibilities may include viral infections, oil spills or bacterial infections on sea grass meadows, a staple food source for the sea turtles. We need to get a deeper understanding of the root causes of the puzzling deaths of these already endangered species.
Hence, we call for proper investigations to be conducted to find the cause of any stranded turtle deaths. These investigations should be thorough, and fact based through scientific methods such as autopsy, bacterial swabs and conducted with the help of ocean modelling.
It is important that we determine the cause of death with scientific backup in order for us to then, identify key preventive steps and actions to avoid any of such deaths in the future - creating a more conducive environment for sea turtles and other marine creatures to live in.
The alarming death rates of sea turtles along our coast is not normal. Each death of this keystone species is a great loss to Terengganu ‘s marine life ecosystem. More needs to be done and more must be done to protect the survival of Terengganu's sea turtle population. We cannot afford to turn a blind eye towards what's happening and the call for action is now!
Sign this petition to protect our sea turtles and our natural heritage. Share this petition to inform others and encourage them to support our cause.
When the deaths stop, the turtles have a chance. #NotAnotherTurtle #KitaJagaPenyuKita
February 2022
