These images show turtles covered in oil which have washed up on the Brazilian coast as mysterious black spots of a petrol-based substance have appeared on 39 beaches.
The bizarre occurrences have taken place on 39 beaches across north-eastern Brazil and the Ministry of the Environment are now investigating the appearance of the black spots.
Video Credit: CEN
Images show the oil-like substance on the sands of the Praia do Paracuru beach in the state of Ceara and local media report the Ministry of the Environment have analysed some of the substance and found it is hydrocarbon derived from petroleum.
The substance has reportedly been appearing on beaches in the area since the beginning of September and reports state at least six animals have been found affected by the substance.
In the second video, filmed on the Praia de Alcantara beach in the state of Maranhao, the unnamed person recording finds a turtle seemingly covered in the black oil crawling through the sand.
Another clip shows a dead turtle which was found on a beach on the island of Ilha dos Poldros in the state of Piaui and the person recording rubs their finger on its shell to show the black oil which has covered the animal.
Video Credit: CEN
Video Credit: CEN/@institutoverdeluz
The final video shows an olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) which was found covered in oil on the Redinha beach in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. Rescuers from the Natal Aquarium can be seen washing it. The turtle is reportedly still in treatment at the aquarium.
The Ministry of the Environment are reportedly still searching for the origin of the substance and they are still analysing it to help the investigation.
According to the Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA), the institution’s teams have been collecting and analysing the material to identify who is responsible for the appearance of the oil.
If it is found the oil was dumped by a boat the practice is considered an environmental crime and can be punished by a fine ranging from 50 to 50 million BRL (9 GBP – 9.6 million GBP).
The investigation is ongoing.
Video Credit: CEN/@institutoverdeluz
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Story By: Alex Cope, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News
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