Turtle found dead on Pantai Nenasi entangled in fishing net

PEKAN: A turtle found dead on Pantai Nenasi here this morning is believed to have got entangled in the "pukat pari" (ray fishing nets), installed by fishermen on the coast.
A fisherman who wanted to be known only as Lan, 33, said the carcass of the turtle, believed to have died a few days ago based on its state of decay, was found at 6.30am.
"This is not the first time a turtle has been found dead on this beach because last year alone three turtles of the same species were also found dead and were washed up on the shore entangled in nets.
"As a fisherman, I am worried that if my friends continue to use the 'pukat pari', it will pose a threat to the species," he said when contacted by Bernama here today.
The Nenasi beach area is one of the sites turtles land and lay their eggs from March to September each year and if the situation persists, it is feared that more turtles will die.
Meanwhile, Pahang Fisheries Department director Azahari Othman, when contacted, said so far there has been no reports regarding the discovery of the turtle carcass.
"We will investigate the matter and check whether it is true that the beach area is a turtle landing site as claimed. If so, we will take follow-up action by gazetting the area," he added. — Bernama