Over a thousand olive ridley sea turtles have mysteriously washed up along the shores of Tamil Nadu, India, sending shockwaves through conservation communities.
This once-endangered species, known for gathering in large numbers during breeding season, has long been considered a symbol of successful wildlife protection efforts. But this grim discovery suggests something has gone terribly wrong.
According to The Guardian, where Shreya Dasgupta covered the story (originally published by Mongabay), many of the deceased turtles showed signs of possible suffocation or drowning.
Volunteers on the beaches near Chennai reported that numerous male turtles had perished, indicating large numbers may have converged for mating before getting caught in dangerous net fishing operations.
Trawler boats, which by law must keep five nautical miles from shore, have been found operating illegally. Officials have since cracked down, detaining 24 vessels and creating a special taskforce to patrol these critical waters.
Local wildlife advocates say that protective measures, such as installing turtle excluder devices on fishing nets, are rarely enforced.
These devices could have prevented many of the drownings by offering turtles a quick escape route. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu’s forest department is stepping up night patrols to safeguard hatchlings and bury the carcasses still littering the beaches.
The sheer number of fatalities among the olive ridleys has rallied Support from activists and residents who feel the tragedy is both heartbreaking and avoidable. Stricter adherence to existing regulations, coupled with greater public awareness, may be key to preventing further ecological damage.
Let’s rally together for marine life: boycott seafood linked to unsustainable fishing, Support local Conservation groups, and push for better enforcement of wildlife protections. Every voice raised helps ensure that these resilient creatures continue to thrive where they once nearly vanished.
This article by Nicholas Vincent was first published by One Green Planet on 13 February 2025. Lead Image: Image Credit :nevodka/Shutterstock.
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