Context : Unusual Surge in Turtle Deaths:
- Since the beginning of January 2025, a concerning increase in the number of dead Olive Ridley sea turtles has been observed in Chennai and Chengalpattu districts. The death count is three times higher than usual for this time of the year, with conservationists counting 1,200 dead turtles (compared to the typical 350).
Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology)
Cultural and Ecological Significance:
- Olive Ridley turtles hold cultural significance for local fishermen, who view them as a symbol of a healthy ecosystem. The turtles also play a crucial ecological role by maintaining healthy seagrass levels, supporting fish populations, and controlling jellyfish numbers.
- The community refers to these turtles as “guests” and “god,” emphasizing their cultural importance.
Primary Causes of Death:
- Bottom Trawling: A significant cause of turtle deaths is bottom trawling, where fishing boats encroach into restricted zones meant for artisanal fishermen. This causes entanglement of turtles in nets.
- Gill Nets: The widespread use of gill nets further increases the risk of turtle entanglement.
- Plastic Pollution: Increasing levels of plastic waste in the oceans also threaten the turtles’ survival.
- Nesting Site Destruction: The rise in hard structures like groynes along beaches has resulted in the destruction of turtle nesting habitats, forcing turtles to leave without nesting.
Impacts on Turtle Population:
- Along the 34-km stretch of coastline, dead turtles were found with eggs in their bodies, indicating that many female turtles intended to nest but were killed before they could do so. Conservationists also reported a significant reduction in the number of nests this season (only two found compared to the usual 30).
Government and Conservation Efforts:
- The Tamil Nadu government has formed a task force to address the issue, planning to strengthen fishing regulations, enforce the use of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs), and reduce boat engine horsepower to mitigate turtle deaths.
- The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has been working with various authorities to increase joint patrols and monitor trawler violations. However, there are concerns from fishermen about TEDs affecting their catch, leading to tensions between conservation goals and local livelihoods.
Wider Regional Impact:
- The turtle deaths are not confined to Tamil Nadu. Andhra Pradesh also reported an increased number of turtle deaths (2,032 by January 26). The issue may be compounded by an unusually rough monsoon season and challenging oceanic conditions.
Collaboration for Conservation:
- Conservationists call for a more unified approach involving fishermen, local communities, the Fisheries Department, and conservation organizations. Technology, such as apps to track turtle activity, could improve monitoring and compliance with regulations.
- A focus on turtle conservation needs to balance the ecological needs with the livelihoods of local fishermen, who face economic pressures due to declining fish resources.
Call to Action:
- The surge in turtle deaths serves as a stark reminder of the fragile balance between human activities and the environment. It highlights the need for effective policy implementation, awareness, and collaboration to protect these vulnerable species and the ecosystems that depend on them.
