ON THE DECLINE: Sea turtles, the pride of the Gulf of Mannar.

Tuticorin: Decline in sea turtle population in the Gulf of Mannar over the years is causing concern among marine scientists who have launched an all-out effort to save the endangered species from extinction.

"Increased fishing activities in inshore water, which has disturbed their habitat, and poaching are the main causes for their decline," A. Murugan, member, South East Asia Sea Turtle Associative Research (SEASTAR), Japan, told The Hindu here.

Among the sea turtle species, green turtle is the much sought after one with turtle meat traders offering lucrative prices to fishermen.

Periyathalai, Manapad, Kulasekarapattinam and Alanthalai shores in this district were nesting areas for the entire Gulf of Mannar in the 60s and 70s. The turtles used to come in large numbers to these shores from October to January and lay eggs from June to July.

"For the last few years, no turtle has laid eggs owing to disturbances on the shore and in inshore waters," Mr. Murugan said.

The scientists feel that the Government should take steps to protect the sea turtles, which are the pride of the Gulf of Mannar. "Legal proceedings against the poachers should be speeded up to create fear among others and there should be awareness among people on the need to conserve the species," said J.K. Patterson Edward, director, Sugandhi Devadason Marine Research Institute, affiliated to Manonmanium Sunderanar University. He suggested trawl nets be fitted with `turtle excluder devices' to avoid incidental catch.