Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Marine Strandings Network has received a report of a leatherback turtle washed ashore at Porthleven Beach on Wednesday 3rd September. Sadly, the animal was already in an advanced state of decomposition and a full post-mortem examination was not possible. However, samples were collected by a trained volunteer for analysis by the Cornwall Marine Pathology Team.

The discovery is thought to be linked to an earlier report from a local fisherman, who had observed a large leatherback turtle entangled in his pot line at sea last week. Due to the turtle’s considerable size, he was unable to bring it ashore. It is believed that the stranded turtle at Porthleven is likely to be the same individual.

Cornwall Wildlife Trust expressed its appreciation to the fisherman for reporting the incident. Working with members of the fishing industry is crucial to improving understanding of bycatch and finding ways to prevent it in future.

Leatherback turtles, the largest of all marine turtles, are seasonal visitors to UK waters, drawn by the abundance of jellyfish during the summer months. However, like humpback whales, their long pectoral flippers make them vulnerable to entanglement in static fishing gear. The largest leatherback ever recorded in the UK – weighing over 900 kg – washed up in Wales in 1988 after becoming entangled in fishing equipment.

Members of the public are reminded not to touch stranded turtles or other dead marine animals, as they may carry diseases and bacteria. The landowner has been informed and removal from the beach is expected.

If you encounter a dead marine animal on a Cornish beach, please contact the Marine Strandings Network hotline on 0345 2012626. Reports provide vital data to support research, conservation, and efforts to protect Cornwall’s marine wildlife.