Residents discovered the carcass on Dinh Thay Thim beach in Tan Hai Commune and reported it to authorities on March 24.
The turtle, estimated to weigh around 20 kilogrammes, had already died when it was found. Officials were notified to determine appropriate handling measures.
A dead sea turtle washes ashore in Lam Dong Province (Photo: An An).
A representative of the Lam Dong Fisheries and Seas Sub-department said the animal belonged to a group of endangered, rare and protected marine species. Sea turtles are listed under regulations prohibiting exploitation and trade.
Authorities stressed that all acts of hunting, capturing, transporting or trading sea turtles illegally are strictly banned and subject to legal penalties. Residents are urged to report sightings to ensure proper inspection and rescue procedures, rather than intervening themselves.
Earlier, on March 22, in the same area, an oarfish measuring nearly four metres in length was also found washed ashore. Local fishermen carried out burial procedures in line with coastal customs.
The oarfish is typically found in deep ocean waters and is rarely seen along the coast in this area.