1,000 Olive Ridley Turtles Found Dead in Tamil Nadu, Government Proposes Standards to Follow

Olive Ridley Turtles' death has sparked concern over aquatic animals as they are quite vulnerable and are becoming extinct. Chennai coast witnessed the death of around 1000 olive ridley turtles that come ashore mainly for nesting.  The turtles are losing habitat mainly because of pollution and overfishing where they get caught in the fishing nets leading to their death. 

Olive Ridley turtles travel thousands of miles to find the ideal nesting spot, but they are caught in fishing nets or affected by pollution. The Bay of Bengal is rich in fishing, so the turtles often fall trapped in the fishing nets. Their nesting places have diminished as beaches have reduced over the past few years. Mass death of the turtles is also a significant issue. 

Olive Ridley turtles’s eggs take two months to hatch, and within that time, more threat is associated with the infant turtles as human activities have increased. Rising water temperatures and pollution in the water further act as a threat to them. Guhirmatha and Rushkulya were some of the beaches of Orissa where thousands of turtles would come for their nesting but have to pay with their lives. It is assumed that for every 1000 turtles, only one is hatched which is further a threat to their existence. 

Trawler boats travel for long distances in search of fresh fish where the expectant mother lives. Turtle Carcasses have been found on the beaches of Tamil Nadu, which serves as evidence of what happens to the turtles. Upon asking the fishermen, they are aware of the scenario, and they have also claimed that the operation costs have led them to lay long nets for which the turtles are falling into the trap. Rough weather further halts their decision to go fishing in the deep sea. The boats being used by them are custom-made and persist with certain limitations. 

Chief Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Government had arranged a meeting post in which the fisheries department had set standards. Fishermen cannot fish preceding five nautical miles, especially during the nesting season. A new design called turtle excluder must be installed in the trawlers that will help eliminate the turtles from the fishing nets. 

The Marine Fishing Regulations Act of Tamil Nadu suggests that fishing in motorized vessels is prohibited within five nautical miles. As the situation has deteriorated massively, authorities have warned the Trawlers to cancel the license and subsidy on offer for the fuel if laws are violated. Moreover, some fishermen have been listed to watch out for other trawlers and fishermen who are violating the laws and regulations.