Olive Ridley Turtle Deaths Spark Conservation Concerns

Recent reports indicate a troubling situation for olive ridley turtles along the Tamil Nadu coast. Over the past two weeks, between 300 and 350 dead turtles have been found, primarily in Chennai and the neighbouring Kancheepuram district. This alarming number has raised concerns among conservationists and the public. The nesting season for these turtles typically begins in late November and lasts until March. Although some turtle deaths during this time are expected, the scale of this occurrence is unprecedented.

Locations of Carcass Discoveries

Dead olive ridley turtles have been reported across various locations. Significant numbers have been found in Neelankarai, Besant Nagar, and Kovalam. Reports also come from Pulicat in Thiruvalluvar district. Citizens have been actively reporting sightings, prompting conservation organisations to investigate further. The widespread nature of the discoveries marks the urgent need for data collection and analysis by the state Forest Department.

Causes of Mortality

The primary cause of death for these turtles is bycatch from commercial fishing activities. As olive ridley turtles mate and nest near the shore, they often become entangled in fishing nets. Experts explain that turtles must surface for air. If caught in nets, they can drown due to asphyxiation. This year, an increase in fish availability has likely led to more fishing vessels operating close to turtle habitats, exacerbating the problem. Post-mortem examinations have revealed signs of suffocation and drowning in the carcasses.

Nesting Behaviour and Cycle

Olive ridley turtles lay their eggs on India’s eastern and western coasts. Mass nesting occurs predominantly in Odisha, with activity also in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Female turtles lay between 100 and 110 eggs in nests dug into the sand. After covering the eggs to protect them from predators, they return to the sea. The incubation period lasts 45 to 60 days, after which hatchlings emerge and make their way to the ocean. In areas prone to human interference, Forest Departments establish hatcheries to safeguard the eggs.

Conservation Recommendations

Experts advocate for the strict enforcement of turtle-excluding devices in fishing nets. These devices allow non-target marine life to escape, potentially reducing turtle bycatch. A comparative analysis of fish catch data from Chennai’s harbours could help determine if increased fishing activity correlates with the rise in turtle deaths. Enhanced monitoring and community awareness are vital for the protection of these vulnerable marine creatures.

Future Monitoring Efforts

Ongoing monitoring of turtle populations and mortality rates is essential. Collaboration between conservation organisations, local communities, and government bodies can lead to more effective protective measures. Regular assessments of fishing practices and their impacts on marine life will be crucial in mitigating future turtle deaths.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the impact of commercial fishing practices on marine biodiversity, using olive ridley turtles as a case study.
2. Discuss the significance of nesting behaviour in sea turtles. How does it relate to their survival in coastal ecosystems?
3. Critically discuss the role of local communities in marine conservation efforts. What challenges do they face?
4. Analyse the effectiveness of turtle-excluding devices in reducing bycatch. What measures can enhance their implementation?

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the impact of commercial fishing practices on marine biodiversity, using olive ridley turtles as a case study.

1. Commercial fishing often leads to bycatch, where non-target species, including olive ridley turtles, are unintentionally caught in fishing nets.
2. High mortality rates during nesting seasons highlight the vulnerability of turtles to fishing practices near breeding grounds.
3. Increased fishing activity correlates with higher turtle deaths, particularly when fish populations are abundant in turtle habitats.
4. Bycatch can disrupt marine ecosystems, affecting not only turtle populations but also the health of the overall marine biodiversity.
5. Regulatory measures and sustainable fishing practices are necessary to mitigate negative impacts on marine life.

2. Discuss the significance of nesting behaviour in sea turtles. How does it relate to their survival in coastal ecosystems?

1. Nesting behaviour is crucial for the reproduction of sea turtles, ensuring the continuation of their species.
2. Olive ridley turtles lay number of eggs (100-110), increasing the chances of hatchling survival despite high predation rates.
3. Successful nesting contributes to the genetic diversity of populations, essential for resilience against environmental changes.
4. Human disturbances at nesting sites can lead to decreased hatchling success, threatening the survival of the species.
5. Conservation efforts, such as establishing hatcheries, help protect nests from predation and human interference, enhancing survival rates.

3. Critically discuss the role of local communities in marine conservation efforts. What challenges do they face?

1. Local communities play a vital role in monitoring marine life and reporting incidents, aiding conservation efforts.
2. Community involvement encourages awareness and education about the importance of biodiversity and conservation practices.
3. Challenges include limited resources, lack of access to information, and sometimes conflicting interests with commercial fishing activities.
4. Economic dependence on fishing can hinder conservation efforts, as communities may prioritize immediate income over long-term sustainability.
5. Collaborative initiatives between local communities and conservation organizations can enhance effectiveness and address these challenges.

4. Analyse the effectiveness of turtle-excluding devices in reducing bycatch. What measures can enhance their implementation?

1. Turtle-excluding devices (TEDs) are designed to allow turtles to escape from fishing nets, reducing mortality rates.
2. Studies show that proper use of TEDs can decrease bycatch and improve survival rates of marine turtles.
3. Challenges in implementation include lack of awareness among fishers and resistance to adopting new technologies.
4. Training programs for fishers and awareness campaigns can promote the benefits of TEDs for both conservation and sustainable fishing.
5. Strict enforcement of regulations and incentives for fishers who use TEDs can enhance compliance and effectiveness.