The Mundo Marino Foundation went to the different places and compiled samples of some animals to perform a necropsy and investigate the causes of death. Several turtles revealed marks due to interaction with fishing networks.
Seven appearances were recorded lute turtlesDermochelys Coriacea, in different locations of the Coast in the period of one week, between February 9 and 15, where all animals They were lifeless when the Mundo Marino Foundation He went to the place.
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) determined that it is a species that is found vulnerable product of its state of conservation, and as with other species of sea turtles that venture into the estuary of the Río de la Plata and in the waters of the Buenos Aires coast, are threatened by the Interaction with fishing nets.
One of the turtles found in Costa Azulshowed several obvious brands of interaction with fishing networks in your body. After the surprise, alarm and call of the people, tourists or lifeguards that were in the place and gave notice of the variations, the Mundo Marino Foundation went to space to assess The situation.
Marine world lute turtles
Marine world
Only the turtles found in LA LUCILA DEL MAR They were transferred to the Mundo Marino Foundation to make a necropsy In order to determine the causes of his death, whose samples were sent to laboratory of the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences of the National University of La Plata for analysis. In the other cases, it was animals with an advanced state of decomposition that made sampling impossible.
Why the turtles appeared on the beach coast
“He Avistaje of live animals of this species usually occur in the months of November and March, and also relates to the amount of jellyfish They can find, since they constitute their main source of foodamong other types of gelatinous fauna, “he explained Karina Álvarezbiologist and conservation responsible for the Mundo Marino Foundation.
At the same time, the biologist added that between March and May, it is when they meet the lute turtles Dead on the beach, who usually appear with good body condition. “We presume that his cause of death is the drowning by ENMALLE IN FISHING NETWORKS of ships that are sea inside. But, for having advanced states of decomposition, It is very difficult to confirm it, “Álvarez explained.
Juan Pablo Loureiroveterinarian and technical director of the Mundo Marino Foundation, said they found “a male and one female approximately 200 kilos Weight each to which we could practice the necropsy. They had good body condition and an initial state of decomposition, which allowed us hypothesis that it was “a death by drowning in fishing nets. Even both turtles had food remains in their stomachs, which evidences that they had fed prior to their death. “
What to do in case of finding a stranded turtle
The Mundo Marino Foundation You are collaborating in a project that the parking team of the Conservation Unit of Bahía Samborombón of the Ministry of Environment of the Province of Buenos Aires, with the aim of knowing through Satellite trackers The feed areas of these species. In case of finding a stranded torture, recommends:
- Do not try to return it to the water: If the animal came out alive to the coast, it is because it is going through a health or weakness problem.
- Contact civil defense or specialized organization: communicate with a rescue and rehabilitation area of marine animals.
- Form a security perimeter: In summer season, when the beaches are with a large influx of tourists, it is crucial to guarantee a safe space for the turtle, allowing technicians to evaluate their status and provide necessary assistance. It is essential not to touch the animal since they can transmit a zoonosis to people.
Source: Ambito
