Mid North Coast photographer Josh Woods found the marine animal nestled among ash from recent fires and was at a loss to explain how it had died.

"From what I could see, there didn't appear to be any signs of a shark attack, damage from a propeller or outward signs of damage," he said.

"He might have died from old age, but if I had to hazard a guess, I would say it was a plastic bag or some other form of pollution, it's becoming very common to see marine animals choking on our garbage, especially plastic."

Nearly all species of sea turtle are Endangered; many are slaughtered for their eggs, meat, skin and shells, they are also frequently victims of capture in fishing gear.

"At first I wasn't sure if he was sleeping, or maybe just resting, once I got close enough it became pretty clear though," Josh said.

"It looked to be a fair aged turtle; I couldn't tell you how he got all those barnacles all over him, it was unfortunate to see, I've never come across a dead turtle washed up on the beach before."

Five of the world's seven species of marine turtles call the waters of NSW home, and recently an operation took place to relocate 144 green turtle eggs to an undisclosed location near Coffs Harbour.

Photographer Josh Woods takes pictures at various locations along the Mid North Coast, to see more of his work head, over to his Instagram page @j.p.wphotography.

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