Sea Turtle Mortality Concerns along Chennai Coast

Overview

Recent findings of sea turtle carcasses along the Chennai coast have raised substantial concerns among conservationists regarding the alarming mortality rates.

Locations and Observations

• Injambakkam: Eight older remains of turtle carcasses were found.
• Nemmeli Kuppam:
  • Twenty carcasses discovered along a one-kilometre stretch.
  • Most turtles appeared to have been dead for some time.

Potential Causes

• Fishing Gear Entanglement:
  • Turtles may have drowned after becoming entangled in fishing nets.
  • Fishermen removing turtles might inadvertently release them back in a comatose state, leading to delayed deaths.
• Groynes and Sea Structures:
  • Groynes at Nemmeli Kuppam are intended to prevent erosion but may impact turtles.

Conservation Efforts and Challenges

• Ongoing efforts to raise awareness among fishermen include planned sensitisation sessions.
• Lack of data from previous years makes it challenging to assess whether current mortality rates are unusual.

Recommendations to Authorities

• Increased patrols in turtle hotspots recommended to the Indian Coast Guard and Fisheries Department.
• Stricter enforcement of fisheries regulations suggested.