Ten green turtles returned to sea (with photos)
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The 10 green turtles are among the 35 green turtles and one hawksbill turtle seized from a fish raft in Sok Kwu Wan Fish Culture Zone on September 30. The turtles were assessed by veterinarians at Ocean Park Hong Kong (OPHK) and have been looked after there with constant monitoring and veterinary care.
An AFCD spokesman said, "This is the largest batch sent to OPHK since it started helping to provide care for rescued sea turtles. The department is thankful to OPHK for making special arrangement to accommodate the sea turtles and the veterinarians and staff for taking care of them."
The 10 green turtles weighed from 9.6 kilograms to 23kg and measured about 45 centimetres to 61cm in carapace length. All of them were assessed by veterinarians of OPHK to be in good condition and ready to be returned to the sea. The AFCD will continue to work together with OPHK on the other turtles seized in the operation and release them in batches later according to their health condition and the weather.
Before the turtles were released to the sea, the AFCD tagged each of them with a microchip and Inconel tags for future identification. Satellite transmitters were also attached to the carapaces of some of the turtles. By tracking the movement and feeding grounds of green turtles in the sea, the AFCD can collect data for formulating appropriate conservation measures and share its findings with other conservation authorities for the better conservation of sea turtles.
The green turtle is a globally endangered species. In Hong Kong, all sea turtle species are protected under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap 170) and the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap 586).
Members of the public are urged to report any sighting of sea turtles to the department via 1823.
Ends/Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Issued at HKT 16:36
Issued at HKT 16:36
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