Turtle with its flippers clipped found on Panaiyur beach

Chennai: Despite measures being taken by the forest department and NGOs to save turtles, Chennai coast from Kasimedu to Neelankarai continue to witness high number of dead turtle strandings, city corporation sources said.

“Over the last three years we have seen a huge increase in sea turtles stranding alive and dead on our beaches. In 2013, there were 202 strandings from January to April, in 2014 there were 423 strandings, in 2015 there were 411
strandings and in 2016 so far 45 strandings along Kancheepuram coast,” Dr
Supraja Dharini, chairperson of TREE foundation said.

The number of dead turtles this year has increased considerably from last year, a forest department official said.

On Thursday morning, an injured turtle with both its flippers on the left side chopped was found stranded on Panaiyur beach. The female turtle, which had many cut marks all over her carapace and snout, was given first aid.

It was then transferred to the TREE Foundation Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Neelangarai with the permission of Chief Wildlife Warden of TN.

“Injuries have been caused by fishing activity. Injuries on its neck and carapace suggest that it got entangled in a fishing net and instead of disentangling it, its flippers were cut off to remove it,” said Supraja.

The turtle is now in rehabilitation at the rescue centre. After the turtle heals, plans would be made to release it.