OSAKA -- Twenty-three loggerhead turtles died and drifted ashore along the coast of the Sea of Japan this summer -- a higher number than usual -- the Osaka-based Sea Turtle Association of Japan has reported.

A loggerhead turtle lies on a beach during egg-laying season.
Sea Turtle Assoc. of Japan photo

Further reports of dead turtles still requiring confirmation could push the total number to 30, said the association, which will report on the issue at the Japan Sea turtle conference slated in November.