Shocking footage of a turtle entangled in 'ghost' fishing gear

  • 8 years ago
Footage shows one of two Olive Ridley sea turtles found trapped by conservationists in an abandoned fishing net off the coast of Gan, Maldives.

The filmers were eventually able to save both turtles (only one is shown) and they only had minor injuries to their back flippers.

When they found the turtles, sharks were circling underneath waiting for them to tire themselves out.

Thousands of marine animals die every year because they get tangled up in 'ghost' fishing equipment and tire themselves out trying to escape.

It's estimated that approximately 640,000 tonnes of gear is lost by fishermen every year across the world's oceans.

Recommended