Latest update April 24th, 2024 12:59 AM
Oct 10, 2015 News
On Wednesday, a sea turtle found in distress under the Rubis wharf in the Demerara River subsequently died after efforts to save its life proved futile.
Help at the time of its spotting was immediately called for and resulted in assistance from founder of the Guyana Marine Turtle Conservation Society, Annette Arjoon-Martins, Commissioner Damien Fernandes and staffers of the Protected Areas Commission.
Upon arrival at Gaico wharf at Nismes, West Bank Demerara, it was observed that fast thinking workers had already placed the Green turtle in an aluminum boat filled with water to keep it comfortable. The sighting of this particular species of turtle was said to be highly unusual as the turtle usually nests in early February and should not have been in the ocean much less in the Demerara River in October.
A brief examination of the turtle revealed that it was extremely weak. It was immediately taken to the National zoo where Dr. Nicholas Waldron along with Romeo De Freitas carried out medical checks. At the time it was determined that chances of the turtle’s survival were slim to nonexistent.
Scars were apparent on the front right flipper, which suggested that the turtle had become entangled in a fish net and through its escape efforts, lost part of its flipper. The loss of the flipper was said to be unfortunate. A turtle missing a flipper is equivalent to a human without a foot.
The turtle’s weakened state made it easy for it to be washed up with the Demerara River tide and its emaciated state was also a clear indication that it was slowly starving to death. This was confirmed by an autopsy which revealed that its small intestine contained undigested antelope grass which would have been the only food it would have come across.
Unfortunately, this type of grass cannot be digested by turtles and instead remained lodged in its small intestine and prevented the passage of any other material into its stomach.
Turtles caught in fishing nets frequently die because they are unable to surface for air. The Green sea turtles dive and feed on sea grass which is gelatinous and can be easily digested. By grazing on beds of sea grass they provide an essential ecosystem service as they keep the sea grass at a level necessary to serve as fish nurseries. If Olive Green turtles cannot perform this function then fishing stocks are also affected.
At the beginning of this year a sperm whale became entangled in a fisherman’s net and washed up on Guyana’s shores. Reasons for the whale’s unusual proximity to Guyana have remained unclear. This was followed by another sperm whale washing ashore on the Suddie Beach a few months later. This animal was bleeding through its ears.
Shortly after, a pygmy sperm and a manatee also washed ashore. Two weeks ago a giant leatherback which normally nests in March washed up on the Ogle shore.
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