Indonesia releases turtles after foiling smuggling attempt
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Indonesian police on Bali released 20 green sea turtles into the ocean on Tuesday after intercepting a smuggling operation.
Officers found the turtles on a boat near Serangan Island, also known as Turtle Island, after residents reported suspicious activity. The smugglers had fled by the time police arrived, leaving the live turtles behind. Two of the original 22 turtles remain under care at a conservation center because they are still sick.
Indonesian law has protected turtle species since 1990, and regulations prohibit their trade. Bali has historically been a center for green sea turtle trafficking, influenced by the island’s religious traditions and the past use of turtle meat in ceremonies. However, authorities continue to work to stop illegal trade, recently arresting a man in June for attempting to sell 21 protected turtles.
A 2022 study found that green sea turtles represented more than half of all sea turtle killings over the previous three decades. Authorities hope increased enforcement will deter future smuggling attempts and protect these vulnerable animals.
