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Olive Ridley Turtle deaths Photograph: (X)
The eastern coast of India is facing a crisis as over 1,000 Olive Ridley sea turtles have been found dead on the shores of Chennai and nearby areas. Environmentalists, local fishermen, and government officials are scrambling to find solutions.
1,000 Olive Ridley turtles dead
Last Friday, around 50 dead turtles were found on Chennai’s beaches, many of which were pregnant females. This is a critical time for the turtles as it’s their breeding season. “It’s heartbreaking to see so many turtles, especially pregnant ones, dying,” said a local fisherman.
Over 600 turtles have died in Chennai, with experts citing fishing nets as a primary cause. The death toll is rising, with reports from Pulicat and Tiruvottiyur beaches showing similar fatalities.
According to the Students Sea Turtle Conservation Network, 360 turtles died between Marina Beach and Neelankarai, while the Tree Foundation reported another 500 deaths between Neelankarai and Alamparaikuppam. This loss threatens the survival of these essential creatures.
“Less than 20 turtle nests have been recorded in the Bezant Nagar and Neelankarai hatcheries. This is alarming, as fewer turtles risk the marine ecosystem,” said Supraja Dharini from the Tree Foundation.
Despite conservation efforts, the fishermen community struggles to balance their livelihoods with turtle protection. “We worship turtles, their death makes us sad, but we have to feed our families,” said ME Raghupati, a 52-year-old fisherman. Many fishermen face rising costs and difficulties due to increased regulations, making distant fishing harder.
Fishermen say the government-approved fishing technology and nets haven’t been updated since the 1960s. “If the government provides new technology, we will use it,” said Raghupati.
Tamil Nadu enforces trawling ban
The Tamil Nadu government has reacted strongly to the ongoing crisis. Chengalpattu fisheries inspector, P. Nivedhan, explained that during the breeding season, trawling is prohibited within 5 nautical miles from the shore. Patrolling has intensified, and violators face penalties. "If any trawler is found in the prohibited area, its fuel subsidy will be cancelled and the fishing license revoked," he added.
A task force has been set up to address the crisis, involving representatives from the fisheries, forest, and wildlife departments. Chennai Wildlife Officer, Manish Meena, confirmed joint patrolling efforts. "We're trying our best to save the turtles. We're educating fishermen on how to release turtles trapped in nets," he said.
Despite government efforts, experts warn that unless sustainable fishing methods are adopted, the situation will worsen. “If fishing methods are made sustainable, it will benefit both the turtles and the fishermen,” said Dharini.
NGT warns of fishing ban
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) warned that if current rules aren’t followed, a complete ban on fishing during turtle breeding season may be imposed.
Not only is the loss of over 1,000 turtles tragic, but it also serves as a stark reminder. Olive Ridley turtles play an important role in maintaining the marine ecosystem's health by feeding on invertebrates and helping release oxygen from the seabed. Experts say only one out of every 1,000 turtle hatchlings survives to adulthood, making each turtle's death more significant.
“We must balance the needs of the environment and the livelihoods of the people who depend on it. If we don’t, we risk losing both,” said Rakesh Kumar Dogra, Chief Wildlife Warden.
The future of these turtles and the livelihoods of fishermen are in jeopardy as the crisis persists. Both sides hope for a solution that ensures the survival of these creatures while supporting the fishermen's way of life.
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