A 50-year-old female green turtle is fighting for its life after being rescued off Wide Bay waters with the head of a spear gun buried in its neck.
Dan Clifton, senior ranger at Great Sandy Marine Park, said the spear was discovered by an x-ray at a local vet clinic.
"A part of the spear gun head was protruding out of the animal when it was found," Mr Clifton said.
"The external bit was removed but an x-ray found the head of the spear was still lodged within the neck of the turtle.
The green turtle — a species that has a one-in-1,000 chance of making it to adulthood — was rescued by Turtles in Trouble volunteers at Boonooroo along the Fraser Coast.
Volunteers found the mature female stranded in mangroves during low tide on Thursday morning and contacted the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS).
Unlikely to be an accident
The turtle has been rushed to Australia Zoo for surgery to remove the spear, which was dangerously close to the animal's spine.
"Until they get it there, we're not exactly sure what that assessment will indicate," Mr Clifton said.
"Hopefully the emergency surgery is successful and the turtle can be released back to the wild after a full recovery."
Mr Clifton said QPWS was investigating the harm caused to the threatened species.
"This ancient warrior has been in excruciating pain for a long time.
"Someone must know what happened to this particular turtle and if anyone has heard, they could contact [the Department of Environment and Science] on 1300 130 372."
Mr Clifton said penalties were in place for fishermen who harmed protected species or do so accidentally without reporting it.
