Scientists and environmental advocates are up in arms after lumps of coal were found washed up on beaches around Australia’s Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

Showing what’s at stake for vulnerable marine life, a local found a turtle hatchling next to a lump of coal on East Point Beach in Mackay, Queensland and shared the pictures.

Lance Payne spotted the hatchling while wandering the beach early this week. Though he’s not part of any environmental group, he felt compelled to share what he saw with authorities. He says the beach is covered in bits of coal and what he believes to be fine black coal dust.

More about Sea Turtle, Coral Bleaching, Turtles, Science, and Great Barrier Reef

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