Fishing lines blamed for turtles’ death

Two dead loggerhead turtles were found at Ramla Bay, Gozo, within a span of 10 days and Nature Trust Malta blames the cause of death on fishing lines in the animals’ digestive system.

Loggerhead turtles often get caught on long lines. Fishermen release these turtles but at times the line attached to the hook is long and turtles swallow it. Although hooks degrade within months, the fishing lines take years.

Lines may cause infections in the animal’s intestines. In some cases the turtle dies a painful death.

Nature Trust appealed to fishermen to cut the line as close to the mouth as possible when releasing a turtle, giving it a higher chance of survival.

The NGO also appealed to the public and boat owners who notice turtles that cannot dive or look ill to either contact the authorities or the Nature Trust Wildlife Rescue.

In a separate statement, Blue Flag Malta, locally represented through Nature Trust, expressed its satisfaction with the management measures implemented at Mellieħa Bay by the local council, which will allow free use of the beach to all.

The environmental organisation said this will definitely help the beach to achieve the Blue Flag Eco Label award in the coming years.

The Blue Flag is an internationally recognised eco label for beaches and marinas, focusing on environmental management and sustainable development.

Its four main criteria include beach management, health and safety, information and environmental education and bathing water quality.

Malta this year achieved two Blue flag beaches and more beaches have applied for consideration, including Mellieħa Bay, which has reached the Beach of Quality Eco label.

Nature Trust can be contacted on 2131 3150 or at info@naturetrustmalta.org.