GEORGE TOWN: A green sea turtle, known locally as penyu agar, was found dead at a beach near Gertak Sanggul here on Monday (April 13).
The Penang Fisheries Department, in a statement, said it received a report on the stranded carcass in waters off Gertak Sanggul, Bayan Lepas, before a team from its Conservation and Fisheries Protection branch was dispatched to the scene.
“Initial examination identified the turtle as a female green turtle (Chelonia mydas)," it said in a statement on Facebook Monday (April 13).
It said the carcass is believed to have been dead for less than 48 hours.
The turtle was weigh about 250kg and measured about 1m in length.
The department added that further observations were carried out to determine the cause of death, including checks on its external physical condition and any visible injuries.
Penang Fisheries Department director Zarina Zainuddion expressed appreciation for the public’s concern and cooperation, urging members of the public to report any incidents involving stranded marine mammals or endangered marine species in state waters for immediate action.
