Two calls to local environmental NGO Nature Trust Malta led to some very grim discoveries…
Taking to social media, the NGO said that the first call, which came in from Gozo, claimed that there seemed to be dead turtles in the sea. Upon close investigation, however, these turned out to be two shark heads.
The second call, which came from Malta, was made after locals discovered a dead terrapin. These creatures are freshwater turtles and had no reason to be in local waters.
In light of these discoveries, Nature Trust Malta pleaded with the Environment & Resources Authority (ERA) to consider giving cartilaginous marine life (e.g. sharks and stingrays) legal protection.
“Such fish are crucial for a balanced marine ecosystem to function properly,” the NGO wrote.
There does seem to be a solution to this…
Nature Trust Malta suggests controlling or capping the import numbers of these species and implementing an animal rescue bank for re-homing. These initiatives, the NGO said, could be easily implemented and save many creatures from an untimely death.
“Finally and most importantly,” Nature Trust Malta concluded, “we urge the public to be responsible and considerate when adopting exotic pets.”
“Pets are for a lifetime. If personal situations change, then the utmost must be done to transfer the pet to another safe household.”