EARLY findings by the National Parks and Wildlife Service suggest disease rather than pollution is the reason behind a cluster of dead and sick Bellinger River turtles.
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The shocking discovery was made by local canoeists who were paddling between the Rosewood River and the Gordonville Crossing late last week, and it fuelled speculation as to whether water contamination was to blame.
However, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Office of Environment released the following statement: “Three species of freshwater turtle are found in the Bellinger River, however, it appears that only one of these - the Georges Turtle or Elsaya georgesi – has been affected.
“Based on the information currently available it appears that only one species of turtle has been affected. This indicates that it may relate to disease, specific to the species, as opposed to a particular pollution incident.”
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) along with Bellingen Shire Council has also launched an investigation, with water samples being taken and results expected back tomorrow.
In addition, approximately 40 live animals were transferred to facilities at Dolphin Marine Magic (DMM), at Coffs Harbour, where veterinary tests will investigate responsiveness of the animals to various treatment options.
DMM has sent samples to Sydney for analysis which will “help build the clinical and pathology picture of this incident”.
The carcasses of any dead turtles were bagged and buried.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service told the Courier-Sun it too had sent “a number of the dead turtles to Sydney for specialised necropsies with the results due Monday – these results will hopefully help narrow down possible causes”.
In the meantime the EPA continues to encourage anyone with information which they think may be useful to the investigation to contact their 24-hour Environment Line on 131-555. Confidential reports can be made.
