Experts baffled by mass turtle deaths

• About 50 turtle carcasses have been washed ashore   
•  It is still suspected that the turtles may have died due to an underwater explosion

By Sheain Fernandopulle

Experts have been unable to properly identify what has caused the mass death of turtles of which the carcasses have recently been washed ashore along different coastal lines.   

According to an official of the Department of Wildlife Conservation, around 50 turtle carcasses have been washed ashore along the stretch of beach from Puttalam to Kalutara within a span of nearly three weeks.    

A senior official of the Department Conservation said the carcasses have been found from Puttalam, Kapungoda, Pamunugama, Muthurajawela Marsh, Induruwa and Delft Island sea areas.   

In light of the situation, the Wildlife Department launched an extensive investigation into the discovery of multiple turtle carcasses.   

However, it is still suspected that the turtles may have died due to an underwater explosion.   
In response to the situation, the Colombo Fort Magistrate has issued an order for the Department to carry out post-mortems on the deceased turtles and provide a detailed report to the court.   

Meanwhile, the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) has disclosed that all turtles found deceased were of the same size and belonged to the same species.