The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched an investigation into the killing of sea turtles in Gan island of Laamu atoll.
The agency revealed that they received the report on the poaching of sea turtles in Gan island, on March 11 and probes have since been launched into the matter.
However, EPA stated that it did not have sufficient information on the case.
The Olive Redley Project reports that two turtles had been poached on the Gan beach area. All of the turtle meat are reported to have been stripped off, except for its head and shell.
The Olive Redley Project further notes that Laamu atoll is one of the district where turtle sightings have been reported more frequently.
At a time an investigation has been launched into the killing of turtles in Gan, a group of people were arrested in February this year in Keyodhoo island of Baa atoll for poaching turtles.
The group comprised of five men, native to Keyodhoo.
However, they have since been released, after statements were collected by the Maldives Police Service (MPS).
Despite their release from police custody, the authority revealed that legal action will be taken against them.
The group of men were arrested in Keyodhoo after the police was tipped off, which provoked an operation in collaboration with the Baa atoll biosphere reserve.
Sea turtles are an endangered species in the country as well as around the entire globe. The creatures take 25 – 50 years to grow into a reproductive age. One of the biggest threats to the livelihoods of turtles in the Maldives, is currently poaching.
Findings indicate that the number of eggs laid by turtles has also decreased significantly in comparison to the 1980s.
The poaching and consumption of turtles are concerning reasons for the decline in the turtle population in the country. Turtles and hawksbill turtles were granted full legal protection in 2016.
The Olive Redley Project, in collaboration with EPA, has also been conducting awareness programmes to the protect the population of turtles and hawksbill turtles.
