Visakha Society, fishers jointly rescue 120 turtles so far
A record number of sea turtles have arrived on Anakapalle's shores for nesting, with 120 rescued from fishing nets and released back into the ocean.
This season has seen a record number of sea turtles arriving on the shores of Anakapalle for nesting, indicating a rise in their population. A large number of them were even caught in the fishing nets of mechanised boats.
"So far, we have saved 120 sea turtles trapped in the nets and released them back into the ocean," said Visakhapatnam Society for Protection and Care president, Pradeep Nath.
The turtles are found in a 30-km beach front from Thanthadi to Pudimadaka to Rambilli and even in parts of Muthayapalem. They include the Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), Green Sea turtle ( Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata).
For the first time, fishermen, in association with the Visakhapatnam Society for Protection and Care volunteers, have started rescuing the trapped turtles.
"Never have we noticed these many turtles in the nets. With efforts since 1996-97, there has been a lot of awareness among the fishing community to release trapped turtles in fishing nets and release them into the ocean,’’ said VSPCA's Pradeep.
Talking to this correspondent, Pradeep said his focus has been now to protect the animals and their habitats. These turtles born on the AP beaches will return upon maturity to their habitat to continue the process of breeding.
"While the forest department takes care of hatchlings, we have taken on a greater role in protecting the habitats," Nath added.
He said the rise in the population of turtles means all mechanised boats must use 'Turtle Excluder Devices' in the nets. This is also mandated by the law.
He said the protection and cause of deaths of turtles have been taken to the notice of higher authorities. They were told that many of the turtle deaths are attributable to the turtles being suffocated in the long drawn nets.
The turtles are found in a 30-km beach front from Thanthadi to Pudimadaka to Rambilli and even in parts of Muthayapalem. They include the Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), Green Sea turtle ( Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata).
For the first time, fishermen, in association with the Visakhapatnam Society for Protection and Care volunteers, have started rescuing the trapped turtles.
"Never have we noticed these many turtles in the nets. With efforts since 1996-97, there has been a lot of awareness among the fishing community to release trapped turtles in fishing nets and release them into the ocean,’’ said VSPCA's Pradeep.
Talking to this correspondent, Pradeep said his focus has been now to protect the animals and their habitats. These turtles born on the AP beaches will return upon maturity to their habitat to continue the process of breeding.
"While the forest department takes care of hatchlings, we have taken on a greater role in protecting the habitats," Nath added.
He said the rise in the population of turtles means all mechanised boats must use 'Turtle Excluder Devices' in the nets. This is also mandated by the law.
He said the protection and cause of deaths of turtles have been taken to the notice of higher authorities. They were told that many of the turtle deaths are attributable to the turtles being suffocated in the long drawn nets.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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