Endangered sea turtles found dead in Bangladesh

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2008

DHAKA (AFP) — At least 20 endangered turtles have been found dead along the coast of southeastern Bangladesh, an official said Thursday.

The olive-coloured sea turtles are believed to have died after being caught in fishing nets.

"We have found 20 turtles within the last two weeks along the coastline of Cox's Bazar district," said wildlife conservationist Mohammad Abdul Hannan of the government's environment department.

"I fear that more turtles have died and been washed away. We searched 50 kilometres (30 miles) of coastline and I fear that if we search other areas, we may find more," he said.

The turtles, known as Olive Ridleys, are found in the warm waters of the Indo-Pacific region and return to the beach where they were born to nest.

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