Leatherback turtle spotted near Devon coast

A leatherback turtle has been spotted swimming off Devon's coast.

Video footage of the species swimming through calm waters near Beer, Seaton, was recorded by a paddleboarder on 19 June.

Ed Parr Ferris, conservation manager at Devon Wildlife Trust, said the species had occasionally been spotted in Devon, travelling large distances from the tropics.

"Leatherbacks are the largest marine turtle species and they travel huge distances, coming from the tropics where they breed, up to places like Devon and the South West and western Britain, where they feed on summer blooms of jellyfish," he said.

Mr Parr Ferris said the age of the leatherback turtle was unconfirmed, but added it was "certainly a mature" animal.

He said the species was in "decline" due to pressures such as being tangled in fishing equipment and marine litter.

"We're lucky that we see a few sightings each year," he said.

"One of the challenges for turtles... is because they eat jellyfish they'll also go for things like plastic bags, thinking that they are jellyfish."

He added: "Once they consume them then they can get stuck in their gut.

"Avoid marine litter and if you see marine litter out and about, pick it up. We can all do our bit to protect these wonderful animals."

He also urged people to record sightings of the species with the Marine Conservation Society.

He said: "Also, follow code of conduct and watch from a distance.

"Appreciate them, enjoy them, they are magnificent animals to have in our waters."

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