Turtle was fished out of the waters at Ferry Reach yesterday morning.

The juvenile Green Turtle, which was found by Bermuda Biological Station staff, was taken to the Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo where an autopsy determined that the cause of death was through a collision with a boat.

Aquarium curator Jack Ward appealed to boat operators to watch for the turtles with the summer approaching.

Endangered Green and Hawksbill Turtles and threatened Loggerhead Turtles are common in Bermuda waters and are put at risk by boats because they are forced to the surface to breathe.

They are particularly susceptible to fast-moving high-powered water craft which become veritable missiles of destruction if in collision with a turtle.

Particular areas for boat operators to be careful in is over sea grass beds and shallow flats. Ferry Reach and the waters just off the North Shore Road are especially popular, said Mr. Ward.

It is the first Green Turtle to be found dead this year, noted Mr. Ward, although a rare Leatherback Turtle died after losing a flipper and being netted in the Great Sound in February.

The public are also being asked not to litter while out enjoying the water.

Litter also poses a serious risk to turtles. A study of seven dead turtles found in 1997 determined that at least five were killed by plastic they had swallowed.