Dead turtles washed ashore in Sri Lankan beaches
By A. Sampath M : 20 th June 2021 Sea turtles have been around for millions of years . Declines in sea turtle populations are a major concern and today all sea turtle species are globally protected [1] . Under the schedule ii (section 30) of fauna and flora protection (amendment) act, no. 22 of 2009 Mammals and Reptiles that are Strictly Protected [2] . The sea turtles species have been included to in this scheduled. There are seven living sea turtle species recorded in the world [3] , five species were reported in the coastal belt of Sri Lanka coming for nesting: Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas),Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) [4] Turtles' nesting beaches of Sri Lanka Sea turtles suffer from poaching and over-exploitation as a result of slaughtered for their eggs, meat, skin, and shells. In addition to that habitat destruction, bycatch—in fishing gear, climat