Indonesian authorities on Bali released 20 protected green sea turtles back into the ocean on Tuesday following a raid that thwarted a wildlife smuggling operation. The turtles were found on an abandoned boat after smugglers fled a police intervention.
Marine police intercepted a boat carrying 22 green sea turtles, known scientifically as Chelonia mydas, off Serangan Island on Saturday. Two of the turtles are still receiving treatment and will be released later. All green sea turtles are a protected species in Indonesia under conservation and fisheries laws dating back to 1990.
Source: Mongabay