News Release April 7th, 2009
Marine park green turtle found dead in abandoned trap
The turtle was found trapped in an abandoned
crab trap
Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park manager Max Haste says a green turtle found dead in an abandoned crab trap in the marine park yesterday would have died a cruel and slow death.
Mr Haste said the green turtle, found at Soldiers Point Marina, is just the latest animal to have been found dead and or trapped in illegal or abandoned fishing gear in the marine park.
Mr Haste said when turtles are stuck in traps they die slowly as they are unable to swim to the surface for air.
“The Port is home to two types of turtles. The most common species is the green turtle and the other that is occasionally seen is the Loggerhead turtle. Sadly most entanglements only come to light when officers retrieve unmarked and abandoned fishing gear.
“These unnecessary deaths and injuries are an important reason fishers need to check their gear regularly to avoid the capture of non-targeted marine animals.
“It is important fishers consider tidal movement and height when setting gear as nets are often found exposed at low tide and the bait can attract sea birds, often resulting in entanglement.
“Strong tidal activity can easily carry gear away from where it was set, leaving it lost and a danger to marine life as traps can continue to kill indefinitely.”
Mr Haste said since Christmas, Marine Park officers had collected over three hundred crab traps and hoop nets most of which had either been unmarked or marked incorrectly.
“Specific rules and regulations apply to possession and the use of both hoop nets and crab traps. No more than five hoop nets are to be used by, or be in possession of, any one person at any one time. A tag clearly showing your name and address or name and boat registration must be attached,” he said.
“Only one crab trap can be used, or be in possession, of any one person at any one time. Crab traps must be marked with a buoy with a minimum diameter of 10cm and clearly marked ‘CRAB TRAP’ along with your name.”
Mr Haste said people caught using unmarked fishing gear face on-the-spot fines or prosecution. Any unmarked hoops nets, crab traps or fish traps found within Port Stephens will be seized.
Inquiries can be directed to the Marine Parks Authority on 02 4916 3970. For further information, including details on fishing gear regulations, visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au or www.mpa.nsw.gov.au.Media Contact: Tonia Liosatos
Telephone: 02 6495 5024
Mobile: 0418 820 504
After Hours: 02 9995 5347