Odisha: Puri beach overrun by 300 dead turtles

Some 300 Olive Ridley turtles were found dead along the Puri beach on January 20, Wednesday. Two trawlers, carrying out unauthorized fishing, are being held responsible for the tragedy. Although turtle carcasses are a common sight, dead turtles on Puri beach is a first.

In view of the annual nesting season of the turtles, local authorities had placed a ban on carrying out fishing activities in the region. However, two defaulters were spotted fishing in the waters on Wednesday. As per Arabind Agarwal, Collector (Puri), the turtles were most probably hit by the trawlers. (READ NOW: Pune records exceptionally heavy rain in 24 hours)

Meanwhile, the Beach Protection Council of Odisha (BPCO) has handed over a memorandum to the collector, asking for stricter implementation of the fishing ban between November and May. BPCO President Jagannath Bastia opines that poor patrolling by marine police and forest authorities allows unauthorized patrolling of fishing vessels.

Olive Ridley sea turtle is a medium-sized species of sea turtle found in warm and tropical waters, mainly in the Pacific and Indian Ocean. Traditionally, these turtles have been used as food, bait, oil, leather, and even fertilizer. Today, however, Olive Ridley sea turtle is immensely popular for its eggs. Egg harvesting drives a lot of local economies and has various social and legal implications.

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Earlier this month, as many as 45 whales washed ashore in Tuticorin. Despite commendable efforts from locals, many of them died. India has now recorded a second marine tragedy in under 30 days. Perhaps another sign, clearly pointing towards the need of a more dedicated approach, towards preserving and cultivating the marine life along the country’s 7,517 km long coastline.

(Featured Image Credit: newsbharati.com)