VISAKHAPATNAM: As many as 2,641 olive ridley turtles were reportedly found dead along the Andhra Pradesh coast between January 1 and 30, raising serious concern about conservation efforts for the vulnerable species.
Additionally, over hundreds of carcasses washed ashore in the Machilipatnam and Krishna estuary region. This increase in mortality during the critical nesting period has raised alarm among conservationists and environmentalists. The State’s coastline is a vital breeding and nesting ground for olive ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea), listed as vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). These turtles nest primarily along the sandy beaches of AP from December to April, with large-scale nesting events occurring in the neighbouring State of Odisha.
Beaches such as those near Sullurpeta, Tirupati, Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla, and the Krishna and Godavari estuaries, Kakinada, as well as Anakapalli, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam, are crucial for the turtles’ nesting process.
These beaches serve as the birthplaces for thousands of hatchlings, which make their way into the ocean after emerging from their nests. The offshore waters are also used by turtles migrating towards their annual nesting beaches in AP, and the mass nesting beaches in Odisha.
In addition to olive ridleys, the State’s waters are also used by hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), listed as critically endangered by the IUCN, and green turtles (Chelonia mydas), which are endangered. However, the increased activity of mechanised fishing vessels has intensified the threat to these turtles, particularly during the breeding season when they become highly vulnerable to accidental entanglement in fishing gear.
These turtles, while migrating for breeding, are often unintentionally trapped in fishing nets, including trawl nets and gillnets, which can result in drowning due to their inability to surface for air.
In AP, the situation has worsened due to the growing intensity of mechanised fishing, especially by Tamil Nadu and AP-registered vessels operating near the coast during the nesting season.
Dr Supraja Dharini, chairperson of TREE Foundation, in a conversation with TNIE, highlighted the pressing need for enhanced protection measures for the turtles both in their nesting habitats and in offshore waters.
“The increasing number of turtle deaths along the AP coast points to the urgent need for stricter enforcement of existing MFRA regulations. The most significant threat is bycatch mortality, where turtles are inadvertently captured in fishing nets,” she said.
She further explained that despite monitoring efforts on protected beaches, the turtles remain highly vulnerable in their ocean habitats, particularly during the migration and breeding periods.
Dr Dharini emphasised that the current level of bycatch mortality, due to illegal fishing activities, significantly impacts the olive ridley population, which already faces numerous challenges. She emphasised that joint conservation efforts on nesting beaches have been successful, largely due to the support and involvement of the AP Forest Department.
She also highlighted the active participation of 283 fishermen and tribal members in community-based sea turtle conservation initiatives.
“Turtles need to surface for air every 40 to 45 minutes. When trapped in fishing nets, they drown due to prolonged entanglement,” she said.
To address this issue, the TREE Foundation has proposed a multi-pronged strategy, including strict enforcement of existing regulations and awareness campaigns among fishing communities.
These include increased patrolling by dedicated boat teams, more stringent enforcement of fishing regulations, and the implementation of awareness campaigns within fishing communities.
Dr Dharini called for stricter penalties for violations of the AP Marine Fisheries Regulation Act (APMFRA), particularly regarding illegal fishing within 8 km of the shore.
“The need for substantial penalties to deter violations is critical. The current fines and penalties do not adequately reflect the seriousness of the situation,” she felt.
The proposed measures also suggest the introduction of mandatory Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) for all fishing boats in the region to track and monitor their activities, along with a ban on certain types of fishing gear such as ray fish nets, squid nets, and nanajaathi nets during breeding season.
“In addition to monitoring and deterrence, it is equally important to conduct intensive awareness programmes to educate the fishing community about the importance of turtle conservation,” she added.
While conservation efforts continue to be implemented, it is evident that reducing turtle mortality requires a collaborative approach that involves government regulations, community involvement, and effective enforcement of existing laws.
The olive ridley turtle plays a crucial ecological role in maintaining the balance of coastal ecosystems. However, if the current trends of bycatch and illegal fishing practices persist, the survival of this vulnerable species remains at risk.
