A leatherback turtle was found dead on the shore around Seven Gates in Chilmark, according to Gazette reader Tom Guiney. He estimated it was about six-and-a-half feet long and about 700 pounds. The cause of death was not apparent, he said in an e-mail.

Islanders who discover any stranded marine animals are urged to call the New England Aquarium’s 24-hour hotline, 617-973-5247.

A leatherback sea turtle found dead last month, floating between Falmouth and Martha’s Vineyard, was taken to the aquarium’s Animal Care Center in Quincy for a post-mortem examination.

In 2008, federal officials made a point of cautioning boaters in the waters off Massachusetts to keep a sharp lookout for leatherback turtles, among the world’s largest reptiles, were present in nearby waters in record numbers.