Critically Endangered Hawksbill Turtle Found Deceased on Cable Beach
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The following article contains images and video content that maybe harmful or distressing to some audiences.
Image Credit: Jaala Ozies, Cable Beach, 2025. Deceased: hawksbill turtle.
On 22nd March 2025 a critically endangered juvenile hawksbill turtle was discovered washed ashore on Cable Beach, Djukun Country. Tragically found deceased with a fishing line wrapped around its neck.
Hawksbill turtles are omnivorous but are particularly drawn to squid, jellyfish, sponges, and soft corals. It’s believed this young turtle was likely attracted to bait on the fishing line, which ultimately became entangled around its neck, leading to its death.
Chris Mitchell from Native Animal Rescue Broome (NARB) described the incident as unusual, noting that in Broome most turtles brought into care are typically injured from boat strikes, shark attacks, or harpoon wounds.
Research shows that sea turtles are facing numerous threats, including:
Entanglement in fishing gear and marine debris.
Habitat loss due to coastal development.
4WD vehicle damage to turtle nesting and shorebird sites.
Pollution, including plastic waste that turtles often mistake for food.
The impacts of climate change, which alter nesting sites and food availability.
These combined threats are pushing sea turtles, including the critically endangered hawksbill turtle, closer to extinction.
Chris encouraged anyone who finds sick or injured wildlife to contact NARB on 0407 773 258.
NARB is a registered Australian charity based in Broome and Perth that operates 24/7. NARB rely heavily on community support and donations to continue their vital work. Currently, NARB are caring for an injured female turtle requiring a special seafood diet, costing $1000 per month to ensure her recovery.
Image Credit: Chris Mitchell ,(NARB) 2025. Injured sea turtle currently in care of NARB.
To help NARB raise much-needed funds for wildlife recovery, NARB is actively participating in the 'Containers for Change' program. Individuals and organisations can donate their recyclable containers to support this worthy cause. If you’d like to contribute, please contact Chris Mitchell at NARB for more information on how to get involved.
Djukun Nation urges beachgoers, fishers, and boaters to be mindful of their waste, particularly fishing lines, which pose a deadly threat to marine life. Fishing line entanglement often causes slow and painful deaths for turtles and seabirds.
If anyone accidentally hooks a turtle while fishing, Djukun Nation strongly encourages them to carefully walk the turtle to shore, gently untangle it, and contact NARB for assistance.
Djukun Nation will also be urging the Shire of Broome to invest in community education initiatives, highlighting that cutting fishing lines instead of removing them safely is a leading cause of sea turtle and seabird deaths.
Video Credit: Jaala Ozies, Cable Beach, 2025. Deceased: hawksbill turtle.
Together, we can make a difference — Save Our Sea Turtles.
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