THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The sandy shorelines of the state capital are set for yet another turtle hatching season, with Olive Ridley hatchlings emerging across three key beaches. This year, turtles have laid eggs at six different sites across three major beaches - Poonthura, Vettucaud and Shankhumukham.
Each nesting site is estimated to contain over 100 eggs, taking the total number of eggs this season to around 600. For the past four years, the forest department has been collaborating with NGOs to ensure the conservation and protection of sea turtle eggs from poachers, predators and coastal erosion.
Ajith Shankhumukham, a fisherman and marine conservationist associated with Operation TerraGuard, an NGO working in marine conservation, said that a hatchling from one of the nests was released into the sea on Monday.
“A batch of eggs is expected to hatch tomorrow, and the hatchlings will be released by evening. We have been guarding the sites round the clock with the help of volunteers. Around 15 volunteers are involved in the efforts,” he said.
According to forest authorities, obtaining an exact count of eggs is not always possible, as nests are left undisturbed where conditions are safe. At vulnerable locations, eggs are carefully relocated to temporarily protected nests set up by volunteers. Poonthura has three nesting sites, followed by two at Shankumugham and one at Vettucaud.
With the seasonal arrival of Olive Ridley turtles for nesting becoming a regular phenomenon along the capital’s coastline, the forest department is planning to establish a centralised sea turtle hatchery in the district to strengthen conservation efforts.
“We are preparing a district-level conservation plan for sea turtles, and a centralised hatchery is part of the proposal. The facility will be set up near the nesting beaches without disrupting fishing activities. It will help protect and incubate eggs collected from unsafe locations. Similar hatcheries are already operational in other coastal districts,” said a senior official with the forest department.
With an incubation period of around 45 days, more hatchlings are expected in the coming days, said an official. However, conservationists remain cautious due to extreme weather conditions.
“The eggs are highly sensitive to temperature variations. Excessive heat or sudden drops in temperature can affect their development,” the official said.