‘Sad’ reason video of a turtle on a Bali beach has gone viral

There’s a heartbreaking reason why this video captured on a Bali beach has gone viral, with locals and tourists demanding more needs to be done.

A video of a turtle on a Bali beach is making the rounds on social media for a “heartbreaking” and “sad” reason.

The island and its surrounds is home to six of only seven sea turtle species, with a high number returning to nesting sites in the Kuta and Legion areas — two popular tourist locations.

However, fireworks have disrupted the species with one clip showing a turtle moving quicker than usual to escape the loud explosion of fireworks just metres away on Legian Beach.

It is unclear when the footage was taken but it appears the fireworks display unfolded late at night with the flashing of lights and loud noises unsettling the turtle as it tried to escape the commotion.

A video of a terrified turtle on a Bali beach has gone viral. Picture: Instagram/balilivin/canggucommunity

“Fireworks in Bali are annoying enough but this is just the worst!” one person commented on the clip shared by account Bali Livin, which boasts half a million followers.

“This is sad. Has to be some sort of nature protection,” said another, while a third added:

“Poor turtle. People don’t appreciate nature at all! Tighten the law and increase the fine!”

According to national publication The Bali Sun, fireworks are banned on all of Bali’s beaches, unless on New Year’s Eve, but special permission from the regency authorities is required.

It was seen trying to escape the loud noises of fireworks going off just metres away. Picture: Instagram/balilivin/canggucommunity

“There are people shooting fireworks every single evening on Legian Beach! Nice rule (and absolutely necessary if obviously turtles laying eggs there), but someone needs to enforce it too!” another person commented on the viral clip.

The publication reported that Legian Traditional Village has implemented a strict prohibition on lighting fireworks at Legian Beach in the Kuta resort area with anyone, including tourists and locals who fail to comply, slapped with a IDR 2 million — $200 — fine.

I Made Agus Susila Dharma, confirmed the rule is still in place and has been established to protect the endangered turtle breeding ecosystem at Legian Beach.

Another Bali lover commented that she’d “really like to see fireworks banned in any public place where there are no safety regulations in place”.

Aussie man Philip Major was sent a photo of a dead turtle on a Bali beach believed to be as a result of polluted waters – another issue wildlife face. Picture: Philip Major

“It’s sad enough that it impacts the natural habitat of these incredible turtles, but it also impacts the Bali dogs, other animals, and any person who happens to be in the vicinity of this careless behaviour.

“I was stressing so bad about the wild birds and bats. Imagine being a bat, you use sonars to fly and fireworks blowing up around you,” a concerned tourist added.

Philip is the owner of Aussie clean tech start-up Cyclion and plans to turn all the household waste in Bali, which often ends in waterways, into energy. Picture: Philip Major

Waste is another huge problem the island battles to manage. Picture: Philip Major

Meanwhile, it’s not just fireworks displays that are interfering with wildlife in Bali.

An Aussie man was sent a heartbreaking photo of a dead turtle impacted by polluted waters, with waste a huge issue in Bali.

Mr Major, who is the owner of Aussie clean tech start-up Cyclion, plans to turn all the household waste in Bali, which often ends in waterways, into energy — a multimillion-dollar project that he’s already started in the Philippines.

It’s a venture that he’s put his life savings into as he’s determined to make a difference.

“I am moved every time I see large piles of rubbish emitting dangerous gases and damaging the health of families with young children,” Mr Major, from Brisbane, told news.com.au.

“Also, when I see beautiful beaches littered with rubbish or dead wildlife that have died from eating plastics.

“These are the things that have given me the determination to push through the challenges to see real solutions to make a difference in whatever way I can.”

Mr Major’s business converts household rubbish, including plastics, to fuel or electricity in an environmentally friendly way.