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EPA investigates slayed turtles in B.Atoll

Lamya Abdulla
04 February 2023, MVT 17:43
(FILE) Overturned turtles in Athahedhaa, an uninhabited island in Laamu Atoll, on April 20, 2022 -- Photo: Maldives Underwater Initiative Instagram
Lamya Abdulla
04 February 2023, MVT 17:43

The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has begun investigating a group of people who killed sea turtles in an attempt to eat them, on the uninhabited island of Keyodhoo in Baa atoll.

The incident was reported to the Maldives Police Service on Friday evening. The police said they investigated the matter and shared their findings with the EPA.

However, no arrests have been made as of yet in connection with the case.

EPA Director Ibrahim Naeem said the matter was being treated as a "very serious incident" and that a team from EPA and police are currently working on the island.

All turtles and tortoises have been protected since 4 April, 2016 under the Environment Conservation and Preservation Act. It also includes outlawing the possession of turtles. Even though it is illegal and carries a hefty fine, there have been documented instances of Maldivians catching and eating turtles.

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