Authorities are investigating after the horrific discovery of numerous green turtles with their bellies slit open and eggs removed in nature reserves off north-western Australia.
There are growing concerns about Indonesian fishermen illegally killing and eating protected turtles off Australia's northern coast, with authorities confirming eight animals have been found slit open with their eggs removed.
"The discovery of the carcasses is concerning from a scientific perspective, as the loss of breeding females from such a small population may lead to a decline in genetic stock," the department said. It is suspected the eggs were targeted but meat left untouched due to not being Halal for Muslim fishermen.
The videos, posted on YouTube, show two young travellers discovering the large empty shells on the beach, which is located within Australian waters. Peter Venslovas, from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority , said there had been a huge spike in boats being intercepted so far this financial year.
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