Caretta Caretta turtle carcass beached in Alghero

SASSARI - The carcass of a Caretta Caretta turtle, with the carapace torn open, was found on the beach of the Alghero beach. Over one meter long and thirty kilos in weight, the specimen has been deposited by the sea in a storm of recent days on the beach. According to the WWF, which alerted the Regional Forestry Corps, the deep dorsal gash may have been caused, presumably, by a boat's propeller.

The animal, according to the testimonies collected by the environmental association, had been lying on the beach for several days. The Forestry Corps inspectors have started the hygiene-sanitary procedures and those for any autopsy analyzes. "Although it is a sad fact that of the turtle found at the Alghero beach - commented Carmelo Spada delegate of the WWF Italy for Sardinia - the remains of the animal will still be able to provide important information to the research centers for the conservation of marine fauna of Sardinia" . "It is known that turtles throughout their life face many dangers that determine a high mortality rate such as collisions with boat propellers that can cause deep carapace injuries or amputations of the limbs, accidental fishing, the plastics that are ingested because they are mistaken for jellyfish that can cause obstructions in the esophagus or intestine from which a serious deterioration and death of the animal derives "concluded Spada.