Welcome visitor in dangerous waters
Welcome visitor in dangerous waters - Leatherback Turtles are considered to be a Critically Endangered species.
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A Leatherback Turtle takes in the Melbourne skyline. Image: Matt Koopman |
This Leatherback Turtle would have migrated thousands of kilometres from equatorial waters to southern waters to feed on jellyfish. This sighting in Altona Bay (part of Port Philip Bay) was made on 17 December 2015 which is unusual because most sightings are in April and May. It is also unusual being sighted in Port Philip Bay and so close to Melbourne, but these waters also present many dangers in the form of high speed vessels, plastic bags and other marine debris.
Image by Matt Koopman, verified by Victorian Fisheries Officer, Brent Womersley.