A local fisherman in the Central province of Nghe An caught a rare green sea turtle weighing 70 kilograms on January 3.

Local agencies have asked Le Tien Lieu to release the endangered animal back into the wild, according to Nguyen Chi Luong, chief of the provincial submarine resources department.

However, Tien, a fisherman from Quynh Phuong Commune, has refused to release the turtle without being adequately compensated. Locals say the rare turtle could fetch up to US$1500 in the market.

Luong said the fisherman’s request has been conveyed to senior officials who will decide what action to take.