FOUL smells emitted from a dead hawksbill turtle within the police barracks compound at Namara in Labasa aroused the sympathy and rage of nearby residents.
The hawksbill, a critically endangered species on the International Union for Conservation for Nature Red list, was supposed to have been one of the dishes at the function after the Commissioner's Cup challenge on Friday night.
But according to police sources it was crossed off the menu because of fears its meat was poisonous.
"And it was to have been returned to the sea but was not returned on time because it died," the source said.
Prakash Mani a resident nearby said he was surprised that dead turtle was left out in the open.
"It should have been put away and its really sad that we are trying to protect our marine resources yet this is such an obvious waste."
The carcass was yesterday covered with flies and maggots and had an unbearable stench.
World Wide Fund for Nature official Penina Solomona said the death of the turtle was an unnecessary waste.
"If they were sure they were not going to use it than they should not have harvested it or really they should have returned it to the sea," she said.
"That looks like an adult turtle capable of laying eggs and by the time the Fisheries Act kicks in from November to February during their nesting period when they are protected, their numbers will decrease," she said.
"They are classified as critically endangered therefore their protection is still key to ensure their continued existence."
The four-year moratorium safeguarding turtle species like the hawksbill ended in December 2008.
Ms Solomona said this exposed turtles to over fishing and people needed to display more care.
