The Chinese soft-shell turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) is naturally found in Asia particularly in China where it is commonly raised in farms for human consumption.

The turtle, however, has been sighted twice at a Quincy beach. People passing by Wollaston Beach along Quincy Shore Drive saw the sea turtle digging in the sand last week and reported the discovery to the New England Aquarium's marine animal rescue team, which collected it on Tuesday.Sept.8.

The turtle is currently in the care of Charles Innis, the head veterinarian at the aquarium, until it can be taken care of in the aquarium or have a permanent home with a private licensed collector.

Another turtle of the same species was also seen on the beach later albeit this animal's whereabouts is now unknown.

Innis said that the second sighting of a similar turtle in the same area suggests that someone might be releasing the non-native species into local waters.

The turtle is considered a delicacy in some parts of Asia. It is speculated that somebody may have bought a turtle to be eaten but later changed mind and released the animal.

Aquarium staff has not seen this species before until they were alerted of the first sighting of the animal. The discovery alarmed wildlife experts, who said that the presence of the species could have unwanted impacts on the local environment.

New England Aquarium chief executive Nigella Hillgarth said that her first reaction when she heard about the presence of the turtle in the area was concern because the animal could get established and become an invasive species. 

Turtle are known to survive cold climates and problems could likely arise if the species manage to survive the winter and breed.

"If this gets established, like it has in the Philippines, it could eat a lot of small fish, insects, mollusks and cause a serious problem in the ecosystem," Hillgarth said.

Hillgarth said that the extent of the possible local effects of the turtle is unknown but non-native species were known to have negative effects in the past. She cited that the green crabs in Massachusetts had unwanted impact on the ecosystem as these feed on mussels and clams.

Experts said that the turtles could compete with the turtles that are native to the area, carry diseases that they can transmit to the native species, and compete with other animals for food. 

Photo: John S. Quarterman | Flickr