The Libyan Wildlife Protection organization has expressed its deep concern regarding the noticeable increase in marine turtle deaths along the Libyan coasts, with five dead turtles found within a kilometer of each other west of the Mellitah company.
Despite the exact causes of this alarming phenomenon not yet been determined, some speculations point to the possibility of a negative impact from illegal fishing activities on marine life. Specifically, there is concern about some fishermen resorting to the use of homemade explosives, known locally as “Julatina,” which is a matter of discontent and concern for environmental authorities.
Bombs and explosives are considered destructive factors to the marine environment, causing fatal injuries to turtles and inflicting severe damage on the ecosystem as a whole. However, no official confirmation has yet been issued directly linking the use of these materials to the recent deaths.
The General Environment Authority had previously warned that marine turtles, which play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance, have become endangered, stressing the need to intensify efforts to protect them. Environmental activists are demanding an urgent investigation to uncover the real causes behind the turtle deaths and to take effective measures to protect marine life in Libya. They also emphasize the importance of combating all forms of illegal and irresponsible fishing to preserve the country’s precious biodiversity
