Sea creatures at risk, conservationists warn
Conservationists yesterday warned of an increased risk to endangered species such as loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) and dolphins following the discovery of three dead animals in the Aegean within two days. According to the Institute of Marine and Environmental Research of the Aegean Sea, also known as Archipelagos, a dead turtle and a dead dolphin were found off Samos and another turtle washed up on Kos. The turtles are believed to have been killed by fishermen using dynamite to blast fish to the sea surface. The dolphin had been struck under the eye with a sharp object. A member of Archipelagos, Anastasia Miliou, said those responsible for the deaths could be caught. «The authorities know who the illegal fishermen are but they aren’t doing their job,» she said. Conservationists say there are only about 100 turtles left in the Aegean.
