Trawling takes a deadly toll on Olive Ridleys

According to Tamil Nadu foresters, the nesting season for the turtles have begun as per the season and the nesting activities usually gains momentum during the Pongal season. The wildlife wardens and concern district forest officers have already instructed the field rangers to gear up for the turtle season, sources said.

Taking a cue from the private NGO, Forest Department in recent years have started collecting turtle eggs and the hatchlings are released back into the wild after quarantine care in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam and Ramanathapuram.

“This is just an indicator that Olive Ridley nesting season has started. Enforcement of Conservation laws should be in place now to protect them,” said Supraja Dharani of Tree Foundation, an NGO working on marine mammal conservation. The annual observations by Tree Foundation volunteers along Andhra and TN had shown a decrease in number of nesting turtles. During early 80’s renowned herpetologist Romulus Whitaker and his team recorded at least 100 nests per km, but this number has now declined to 10 to 12 nests per km along Chennai coastline, recalls Dharani.

The Fisheries Department should give widespread awareness to trawl and commercial fishermen and support ForestDepartment’s effort to conserve the nesting turtles, the marine conservationist added.

“The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute had warned the consequences, but there is no strict policy in place toban overexploitation of fishing,” said a senior professor with TN Fisheries University.