Olive Ridley turtles endangered by commercial activities along Visakhapatnam coast

Visakhapatnam, Feb 18 (ANI): Lives of hundreds of endangered Olive Ridley turtles along the Visakhapatnam coast in Andhra Pradesh is under threat due to surge in commercial activities along the seashore.

The nesting activity has been adversely affected due to increased human presence and even the stray dogs frequently attack and kill the turtles, when they swim ashore to lay eggs on the beaches.

Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Visakhapatnam circle, N Prateep Kumar, said that industrialization along the coast posed a threat to the species.

"There are many reasons, why this Olive Ridley turtle is becoming endangered. Everybody is aware of the fast pace development taking place along the coast. May be because of those reasons, may be because of other commercial activities, some industries are coming up along the coast," said Kumar.

During winter, the endangered Olive Ridley turtles move to nesting places along the Orissa coast. After the eggs are hatched, the turtles return to the sea. The Olive Ridley Turtles take 25 to 30 years to reach adulthood.

Kumar added that in order to save these eggs from being trampled by the people, hatcheries have been created along the seashore.

"One more reason that is cited for depleting the population of the Olive Ridley Turtles is not using the TED device, it is the Turtle Excluder Device, in the nets being used by the fishermen, when they go into the sea for fishing. So, there are many reasons why this species is becoming endangered and awareness among the public those who go on the coast has to be increased, so as to protect this animal," added Kumar.

The tiny amphibians frequently get killed in the propeller blades of trawlers used by fishermen in the seas, or die to suffocation in nets.

The Olive Ridley turtle, which can grow up to 75 centimetres in length, is found in tropical regions of the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans. The turtles are named in the endangered category because of high mortality rates. (ANI)