The Bermuda Zoological Society has urged the boating public to be mindful of sea turtles this holiday weekend.

"We would like to remind the public that the turtles are protected and should not be harassed in any way," said Mark Outerbridge, coordinator of the Bermuda Turtle Project.

Conservation officers made the appeal after learning of a recent incident in Ely's Harbour, where individuals on a boat caught a small turtle and took pictures with it.

Strict laws enacted decades ago protect sea turtles from direct harvesting and intentional harm many are still injured or killed every year as a result of human behaviour.

Over the past 27 years, staff at the Aquarium have cared for 424 stricken turtles, many of which were injured by discarded fishing lines and nets or collisions with boats.

The BZS has reminded boaters to take particular care over seagrass meadows or within 100 metres of the shoreline locations frequented by turtles.

Those fishing this weekend have been asked not to dispose of unwanted line into the water, and to recover any discarded line they may find.