Olive Ridleys stand better chance of survival

The Pioneer , Thursday, January 31, 2008
Correspondent : Staff Reporter
Turtles succumbing to trawl nets still a problem

CHENNAI: It is that time of the year when groups of students and nature enthusiasts go on turtle walks along the Neelankarai - Elliots beach stretch. The walks are aimed at conserving the Olive Ridley, a sea turtle species.

The Forest Department, along with non-governmental organisations such as the Students Sea Turtle Conservation Network (SSTCN) and Tree Foundation, has been doing significant work to create awareness of and to preserve the species.

The eggs are collected safely and nurtured in hatcheries. Once they hatch, the hatchlings are released into the sea.

SSTCN has been playing a major role in spreading the message of the importance of conserving the turtle among not only fishermen, but also residents and students. Each year hundreds of students, in small groups, go on a ‘turtle walk’. “The joy of seeing a hatchling being safely let into its home (the sea) cannot be explained in words. It’s amazing,” said R. Vaishnavi, a student.

However, every time one hears of a dead turtle washed ashore, as happened on Wednesday, it is evident that more awareness is needed.

A senior official of the Forest Department said that while issues such as poaching, other animals such as dogs disturbing the eggs, and excessive lighting disorienting the hatchlings were largely solved, turtles succumbing to trawl nets was still a problem.

Awareness programmes

“We have been conducting awareness programmes for fishermen to address this problem. There has certainly been a decline in the number of turtles being washed ashore in the last few years,” the official said.

The department, along with the NGOs, has released about 18,000 hatchlings into sea in the last two years, he said.

“We cannot deny fishermen of their livelihood. We are trying our best to spread awareness,” the official added.

SSTCN coordinator V. Arun said, “With the help of the Forest Department we are able to monitor the beach more carefully and poaching has been reduced drastically. However, in addressing the death of turtles caught in trawl nets, we have a long way to go.”

 
SOURCE : The Pioneer,Thursday, 31 January 2008
 


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