Bali Releases 20 Green Sea Turtles Seized in Smuggling Raid
At a Glance
- Indonesian authorities have returned 20 protected green sea turtles to the ocean off Bali.
- Police seized the turtles from a boat suspected of being used for wildlife smuggling.
- Two other turtles remain under treatment before they can be released.
- Authorities are continuing efforts to combat illegal sea turtle trafficking.
Indonesian authorities have released 20 protected green sea turtles into the waters off Bali after rescuing them from a suspected wildlife smuggling operation.
Key Statements and Focus Area
- Wildlife Protection: “We hope that no one will dare to capture, keep, or trade these protected species anymore.” — Gusti Agung Purnama Wirahadi, Bali Water and Air Police
- Rescue Operation: All 22 turtles were found alive, but two remain under medical care before they can be returned to the ocean.
- Focus Area: The case highlights ongoing efforts to prevent the illegal capture and trade of protected marine wildlife in Indonesia.
Turtles Returned to the Ocean
Authorities completed final health checks on Tuesday at a conservation center on Serangan Island, also known as Turtle Island, in southern Bali. Officers then transported the turtles to the shoreline and carefully released them into the sea.
The rescue followed a police operation on Saturday, when marine police intercepted a suspected smuggling attempt in waters near Serangan Island. Officers acted after residents reported suspicious activity in the area.
The suspected smugglers had fled before police arrived, leaving the turtles aboard the boat. The animals are green sea turtles, scientifically known as Chelonia mydas.
Two Turtles Remain Under Treatment
Gusti Agung Purnama Wirahadi of the Bali Water and Air Police said two of the 22 turtles were still sick and needed further treatment before release. The authorities have not reported arrests in connection with the latest incident.
Indonesia’s Sea Turtle Trade Restrictions
Sea turtles have been legally protected in Indonesia under conservation and fisheries laws since 1990. A 2018 regulation from the Environment Ministry further clarified protections for the six sea turtle species found in Indonesian waters, while other government rules prohibit their trade.
Bali has faced sea turtle trafficking for decades. In June, authorities intercepted another suspected illegal trade involving 21 protected green sea turtles on the island’s Pegametan coast and arrested a 67-year-old man suspected of storing the animals for sale.
A 2022 global study by researchers at Arizona State University found that green sea turtles accounted for 56% of recorded sea turtle killings over the 30-year period ending in 2020.
FYI
Green sea turtles are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. They face threats including illegal capture, trade, habitat degradation, and accidental capture in fishing gear.
Indonesia’s waters provide important habitat for several sea turtle species. Protecting nesting beaches, feeding grounds, and migration routes is central to their conservation, alongside enforcement against poaching and illegal trade.
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