The olive Ridley Turtle car was found on the Sirkazhi beach in Mayiladutthurai district. |Picture source: Special arrangement
The recent death of the olive Ridley turtle along the Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai seashore has attracted the attention of environmental activists. However, the forest sector refuted the claim of rising mortality, asserted that the current numbers were consistent with seasonal trends and adopted conservation measures to protect the species.
“From late December to date, we recorded 138 olive Ridley deaths in two regions, both of which fall into the expected seasonal range. The nesting season starts in late December and extends into March. On normal days, we observe one or two deaths on full and new moon days, with the numbers rising to five or six due to natural factors. However, no instances of large-scale deaths have been observed.”
He told Hindu Unless they are in advanced decomposition, all recovered bodies are subject to postmortem examination. To this end, two veterinarians from Poompuhar and Thirukkadaiyur have been trained.
Mr. Tomar pointed out that Olive Ridley’s death was mainly caused by illegal wallet Senna websites and occasional ship collisions. The department has been actively promoting turtle removal equipment (TED) among fishermen and conducting joint patrols with the Ministry of Fisheries to monitor fishing activities. In addition to law enforcement, publicity campaigns, school promotion programs and street dramas were conducted to emphasize the ecological significance of the olive Ridley turtle.
Sources from the Forest Department show that more than 50,000 olive Ridley eggs have been collected this season, with nesting numbers ranging from 10 to 20 per day.
Despite the assurances of the forest sector, conservationists raised concerns about the unreported olive Ridley death.
Former Vettangudi Panchayat MP and protectionist P. Anguthan claimed that many of the bodies were buried without autopsy. “Local people have reported many unrecorded deaths, and the forest department and fishermen have failed to follow appropriate procedures,” he said. He urged the government to establish a conservation reserve in Colidamm, where nesting activity is higher than other Cauvery Delta areas.
N. Sivaganesan of Mayiladuthurai’s Wildlife and Environment Trust highlights the threat of coastal pollution, habitat destruction and fishing habits. “While protection continues, turtle mortality is rising due to boat propellers, fishing nets and warm oceans. We need modern tools like hot drones to track nesting turtles and prevent unreported deaths,” he said. He called for increased manpower, recommended at least five personnel per 4 km, joint patrols with the Indian Coast Guard and strict implementation of TEDS among fishermen.
publishing – February 28, 2025, 7:32 pm IST
