21 Green Turtles Saved from Illegal Trade in Bali

In a significant bust on June 10, Indonesian authorities on the tourist island of Bali intercepted an illegal trade involving 21 protected green sea turtles. The operation, prompted by local reports of suspected trading, saw police seize the live animals on the Pegametan coast.

A 67-year-old suspect, identified only by his initials KS, was arrested and is believed to have been storing the endangered creatures before their distribution for sale. He reportedly told investigators that the turtles were sent from waters near Madura, an island in East Java province, and were meant to be collected for resale.

This incident highlights ongoing challenges in protecting Indonesia's marine life. Turtle species have been legally protected since 1990, with further regulations reinforcing these protections. The arrested suspect faces severe penalties under Indonesia's wildlife protection laws, including up to 15 years imprisonment and substantial fines.

Globally, six out of seven sea turtle species are threatened, with poaching for meat, traditional practices, and alleged aphrodisiacs being major drivers. The green turtle, a species found in abundance in Indonesian waters, accounted for a significant portion of sea turtle killings between 1990 and 2020.