Turtles rescued from poachers released back into the sea

It’s a good day for these turtles. Nine giant green turtles have been released back into the sea by locals and tourists on the Indonesian island of Bali.

(Firdia Lisnawati/AP/PA)

The turtles were among 17 confiscated from a poacher last month. The poacher allegedly bought them from fishermen and they were to be sold to a food stall, said police chief Djoko Hari Utomo.

(Firdia Lisnawati/AP/PA)

Turtle meat is a traditional delicacy in Bali, although Indonesia has banned their trade and consumption due to concerns about dwindling numbers and the possibility of a tourist boycott.

Turtles, especially green turtles, are among several protected species in the nation of 17,000 islands.