An 813-pound female leatherback sea turtle was found dead a mile south of Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Necropsy reports from biologists revealed the adult female sea turtle died from rope entanglement.

A two-foot section of marine rope was found in the sea turtle's mouth. Necropsy revealed several abrasions and teared tissues that complemented the rope entanglement, which led the turtle to a point of exhaustion and eventually drowned.

Leatherback sea turtles are considered the biggest turtles in the world and also one of the reptiles' largest. The six-and-a-half-foot leatherback sea turtle was towed to a boat dock close to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. The necropsy was completed at the New England Aquarium Sea Turtle Hospital in Quincy, where officials determined the sea turtle had been dead for almost three days. The lifeless turtle was about the average size of its species.

"It's the only sea turtle species that doesn't have a hard shell. It's like a hide that you might encounter on cattle, but softer and more leather-like," said Tony LaCasse, the spokesman for the New England Aquarium.

The sea turtle had a tracking tag fastened to its body, which was probably used during nesting on the Caribbean beach. The exact locations will be determined early this week.

Leatherback turtles are rarely seen species. However, another leatherback turtle was caught on a fishing gear near Pamet Harbor in Truro. The marine animal response team from Center for Coastal Studies were able to disentangle the 4.5-foot leatherback turtle using a grappling hook and sharp knives. The turtle survived with minor injuries and is expected to recover fully. The larger turtle had not been as fortunate.

The mature female's premature death is a huge loss for its species. LaCasse added that out of a thousand hatchlings, only one could survive in the waters. Human activities such as heavy poaching remain the largest threat to the species. In New England, threats include entanglement with vertical lines and collision with boats.

In early summer, leatherback sea turtles swim to New England waters to feast on sea jellies. But come winter, they swim towards the warmer waters of the eastern Caribbean.

Photo : Alastair Rae | Flickr