13. International Hard or Feature News

BBC News- Hundreds of sea turtles wash up dead in Mexico

Today, on Morro Ayuta beach in Oaxaca, about 300 sea turtles washed up dead on the coast of Mexico. Sources confirmed that all turtles found, were female. This beach is a popular nesting areas for Olive Ridley turtles to lay their eggs, and is also one of the last available places for turtles to nest. 

This tragedy is not the first time these beautiful creatures have been found on the beaches of Mexico. In 2018, fisherman found 300 sea turtles caught in illegal nets. According to an official in Mexico's environment ministry, sea turtles are commonly caught in abandoned nets called "ghost nets". 

In 1990, Mexico banned the capture of sea turtles and have since listed Olive Ridley sea turtles as "vulnerable". 

Mexican officials stated that they plan to join Mexico's navy and environmental committees to further the investigation of the turtles' deaths. Locals are also encouraged to educate themselves on endangered sea creatures as well as the dangers of poaching and illegal fishing, in an effort to protect the beautiful wildlife.