Pingtung:Two foreign visitors are under investigation for allegedly touching a green sea turtle on Xiaoliuqiu, an act that contravenes Taiwan's Act on Wildlife Conservation, as reported by the Coast Guard Administration (CGA).

According to Focus Taiwan, the CGA’s Southern Branch received a report on Thursday about two individuals touching a protected green sea turtle at Vase Rock beach, a popular tourist site on Xiaoliuqiu. Following the report, coast guard officers contacted the person who captured the incident on film and subsequently identified the suspects, who were later confirmed to be U.S. citizens.

The suspects were escorted by patrol boat to Taiwan's mainland, where they were taken to the Pingtung District Prosecutors Office for further investigation. The Act on Wildlife Conservation stipulates that anyone who disturbes, abuses, hunts, or kills protected wildlife can face up to one year in prison or fines ranging from NT$60,000 to NT$300,000. Should the violation result in the death of the animal, penalties increase to up to two years in prison or a fine of up to NT$500,000.

The Coast Guard Administration has urged tourists to maintain a respectful distance from marine wildlife, advising against touching, stepping on, feeding, or otherwise disturbing these animals. They also encouraged individuals to report any violations to the Coast Guard's 118 hotline.