Dead Olive Ridley Turtles on Tamil Nadu’s Beaches: Upsc Prelims Pointer

Dead Olive Ridley Turtles on Tamil Nadu’s Beaches: Causes and Analysis

Context: In the past two weeks, a significant number of dead Olive Ridley turtles have been found on the beaches of Tamil Nadu, especially around Chennai. This incident not only highlights an environmental crisis but also serves as a serious warning for the marine ecosystem.

Key Facts about Olive Ridley Turtles:

• Scientific Name: Lepidochelys olivacea
• Status:
  • IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature): Vulnerable
  • Protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, in India.
• Natural Habitat: Tropical and subtropical seas.
• Reproduction:
  • Arribada process: Thousands of turtles come together on beaches to lay eggs.
  • Major nesting site in India: Gahirmatha Beach, Odisha.

Key Causes of Dead Turtles:

1. Fishing Activities:
   • Non-traditional Fishing Nets: Turtles often get trapped in trawlers and fishing nets, causing them to drown as they cannot breathe.
   • Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs): The use of these devices in trawlers is not sufficient, and compliance is not adequately enforced.
2. Pollution:
   • Marine Plastic Waste: Ingesting plastic waste blocks the turtles’ digestive system.
   • Chemical Pollution: Industrial waste and oil spills degrade the quality of marine water.
3. Climate Change:
   • Sea Temperature: Rising sea temperatures affect the turtles’ nesting sites.
   • Sea-Level Rise: Natural nests are increasingly at risk of being submerged due to rising sea levels.
4. Light Pollution:
   • The increase in urbanization and light pollution on beaches causes turtles to become disoriented.
5. Natural Predators:
   • Eggs and young turtles on beaches often fall prey to natural predators.

Environmental Impact of the Incident:

• Impact on Ecosystem: Turtles are a vital part of the marine ecosystem. The increase in dead turtles may disrupt the coastal ecosystem balance.
• Loss of Biodiversity: The death of turtles affects marine biodiversity.
• Environmental Warning: This incident serves as a serious warning regarding marine pollution and climate change.

Role of Government and Organizations:

1. Current Laws and Measures:
   • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Olive Ridley turtles are protected under Schedule I.
   • CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone) Regulations: Rules have been established for managing coastal areas and controlling industrial activities.
   • Mandatory Use of TEDs: Trawlers must use Turtle Excluder Devices to save turtles.
2. Conservation Programs:
   • Odisha Turtle Conservation: Active conservation efforts at Gahirmatha Beach.
   • Role of NGOs and Local Organizations: Awareness campaigns in Tamil Nadu and other states.

Solutions and Improvements:

1. Improvement in Fishing Practices:
   • Strict enforcement of TED usage.
   • Ban on unauthorized fishing activities.
2. Pollution Control:
   • Take strict measures to stop the flow of plastic and industrial waste into the sea.
   • Impose heavy fines on industries that contribute to pollution.
3. Use of Technology for Conservation:
   • GPS Tracking: Monitoring turtle movement and nesting sites.
   • Biodiversity Data Collection: Studying the impact on marine life.
4. Community Awareness:
   • Educate local fishermen and residents about the importance of turtles and conservation methods.
   • Regular campaigns for beach clean-up.
5. Research and Development:
   • Research on turtle reproduction and migration.
   • Strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change on turtles.

Conclusion:

Olive Ridley turtles are critical to the environment and marine ecosystem. The recent deaths of a large number of turtles on Tamil Nadu’s beaches are a result of environmental imbalance and human activities. The government, NGOs, and local communities must work together to strengthen conservation efforts. Protecting turtles is not just about saving a species, but also about maintaining balance in the marine ecosystem.