Fisheries Research Institute rescues two stranded turtles

KUALA TERENGGANU: The Rantau Abang Fisheries Research Institute (FRI)  in Dungun has saved two turtles found stranded by the public in two separate incidents on Monday and Tuesday.

Rantau Abang FRI Marine Mammals branch chief Mohd Tamimi Ali Ahmad said an Olive Ridley sea turtle was found in a frail condition at the beach near the Seberang Takir Fisheries Development Centre in Kuala Nerus on Monday (Jan 1), after being swept to the beach by strong currents.

“The turtle weighing 6.1kg had also sustained injuries to its shell, and was famished.

“A day later, a 2kg Eretmochelys Imbricata or hawksbill sea turtle was found in a pitiful state on the beach near the Marang District Fisheries Office, as its back left flipper had almost come off after getting stuck in a drift net,” he told Bernama on Wednesday.

The two turtles are currently being treated at the Rantau Abang FRI and given a special diet that includes bananas, papayas and palm sugar aimed at restoring lost energy, as well as to help restore their digestive systems.

Mohd Tamimi, who is also chief of the Endangered Marine Species Rescue Team under the Fisheries Department of Malaysia, said apart from the diet, the turtles were also injected with antibiotics to treat internal and external wounds.

He said the monsoon season which has hit Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Johor, was also affecting marine life.

“Huge waves of up to 3m high with wind speeds reaching 40-80kph are not only deadly to humans, but also endangers marine species such as whales, dolphins, dugong (sea cows) and turtles.

“In view of this, I hope those who find any marine life stranded on the beach will immediately alert the Rantau Abang FRI so that these endangered animals can be treated and saved,” he said. – Bernama