A total of 90 turtles were found dead this year after getting entangled in the ‘pukat pari’ (ray fishing nets), said Terengganu Fisheries Department director Nawawi Ali.

He said following the situation, the department destroyed 40 such nets and would take legal action against individuals who flouted the regulations.

“Although the death rate among turtles is high, it is still (considered) balanced as we’re able to produce 500,000 hatchlings out of 600,000 turtle eggs incubated this year,” he said.

Nawawi was speaking to reporters after handing over school assistance to the orphans and children of fishermen at the Malaysian Academy of Fisheries in Cendering, near Kuala Terengganu today.

He said there were 60 turtles found dead last year due to its low rate of turtle landing compared to this year.

Most of the turtles which landed and laid eggs in the state were the Green turtles while the Leatherback sea turtle were no longer in the picture since the past several years, said Nawawi.

He added that Pantai Jakar in Kemaman had become the nesting location for these turtles compared to other beaches before this, such as Pulau Redang, Pulau Perhentian and Ma’daserah (Dungun).

- Bernama