Chennai’s Coastline Crisis: Hundreds of Olive Ridley Turtles Found Dead
In recent weeks, there has been a tragic sight along the Chennai shoreline. More than 400 dead Olive Ridley turtles, a delicate marine species, have been found on the beach. Both residents and environmentalists have been stunned by this terrible incident, which is the worst in over 20 years.
What’s Happening to the Olive Ridley Turtles?
Special aquatic animals known as Olive Ridley Sea Turtles journey thousands of kilometers to deposit their eggs on Indian beaches. One of their key nesting locations is the seashore of Chennai. Instead, hundreds of turtle carcasses have been discovered on the beaches by volunteers this year. Mother turtles carrying eggs make up a large number of the dead turtles.
Over 500 dead turtles have been buried in just 20 days. In a typical year, between 100 and 200 turtles die along the coast. Volunteers and environmentalists who fight to save these turtles are concerned about the dramatic increase in fatalities.
Turtle Nest Problems
To save the eggs, volunteers search for turtle nests while strolling along the Chennai coast at night. But so far this year, only 15 nests have been discovered. This is significantly less than previous years.
The eggs of Olive Ridley turtles take two months to hatch. However, dogs, beachgoers, and even the bright lights of the city pose a threat to the nests, confusing the young turtles. There will be fewer turtles to maintain the population if there aren’t enough safe nests.
A Major Issue With Fishing Nets
Fishing nets are one of the main threats to turtles. Giant nets are used by large fishing vessels to capture fish, but they also trap turtles. Turtles drown when they become stuck because they are unable to rise to air.
The government has requested that fishermen use specialized nets known as Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) to aid turtles in their escape. These tools allow fish to be captured while allowing turtles to avoid the nets. However, a lot of fishermen avoid using them because they think TEDs will decrease their catch. Fishermen are nonetheless apprehensive despite studies demonstrating that this worry is unfounded.
Trawling Near the Beach
Additionally, during the turtle nesting season, big fishing vessels, known as trawlers, are prohibited from fishing along the coast. The purpose of this prohibition is to safeguard turtles. However, a large number of trawlers with illicit engines continue to fish close to the coast of Chennai. These boats damage marine life, including turtles, and violate the law.
The government of Tamil Nadu has come under fire for improperly implementing these regulations. Illegal fishing persists because the Coast Guard, fisheries agency, and forest department rarely conduct joint patrols.
The Significance of Olive Ridley Turtles
In addition to being stunning marine animals, olive ridley turtles contribute to the health of the ocean. Without turtles, the water might have too many jellyfish because they consume them. This can upset the ocean’s equilibrium and endanger other marine creatures.
Unfortunately, just one Olive Ridley turtle hatchling out of every 1,000 makes it to adulthood. These turtles are fighting for their lives due to numerous dangers, such as pollution, fishing nets, and habitat degradation.
What Help Is Available?
To conserve the turtles, conservationists think more regulations and improved enforcement are required. They recommend:
- Using Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs): To prevent turtles from becoming ensnared, these devices ought to be attached to every fishing net.
- Prohibition of Trawling Near the Coast: Trawlers are prohibited from fishing near the coast, particularly during the nesting season.
- Patrol and Monitoring: To apprehend illicit fishing vessels, patrols must be conducted on a regular basis.
The majority of the issues can be resolved if the government complies with these regulations and cooperates with fishermen, according to conservationist Supraja Dharani, founder of the Tree Foundation.
Preserving an Old Marine Animal
For millions of years, Olive Ridley turtles have lived on Earth. Despite being an essential component of the marine environment, people pose numerous threats to them. We may contribute to the preservation of the ocean by safeguarding them.
We must take immediate action in light of the numerous fatalities on the Chennai coast. These turtles should have a secure place to live and breed. Preserving the equilibrium of marine life for future generations is more important than merely protecting a species.
