Is fishing along Mumbai's coast hurting the Olive Ridley turtles?

The protected Olive Ridley turtles, found along the city's coast, appear to be at high risk. In less than two weeks, 11 have been found injured along the west coast between South Mumbai and Dahanu, raising concern over their conservation

The protected Olive Ridley turtles, found along the city's coast, appear to be at high risk. In less than two weeks, 11 have been found injured along the west coast between South Mumbai and Dahanu, raising concern over their conservation. The vulnerable species falls under Schedule-I of the Wildlife Protection Act.

Incidents rising
On Saturday, a sea turtle was rescued after it got stranded on Aksa Beach, Malad, in a critical state. Yesterday, another Olive Ridley turtle was found with injuries to its flipper in Narpad village, Dahanu.

The injured turtles are receiving treatment at the Wildlife Treatment Centre. Of the 10 turtles at the rescue centre in Dahanu, nine have injuries to the flipper. The decision of releasing them back into the sea will depend on the nature of the injuries and the way they respond to the treatment.

Deputy conservator of forests Nanasaheb Ladkat from Dahanu said the department is putting its best foot forward to treat the turtles.

Expertspeak
Dr Dinesh Vinherkar, a consultant with the centre, and also, an expert in treating turtles, said awareness about marine creatures had helped to keep a tab on such incidents. "But, the need of the hour is to create more awareness, so that fishermen who find turtles entangled in nets immediately release them," he said.

Palghar resident Bhushan Bhoir admitted that fishing was taking a toll on the creatures. "Primary assessment of the incidents shows all the injured turtles were likely to have fallen prey to nets in the sea," he said.

Experts highlighted the need to have SOPs to prevent such incidents.

Pradip Patade of Marine Life of Mumbai said, "While awareness is increasing, people need to know what to do and whom to contact if they find injured marine animals."

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