Carcasses of Olive Ridley turtles continue to wash ashore in Visakhapatnam

Olive Ridley turtle carcasses wash ashore in Visakhapatnam due to pollution, prompting conservation efforts by experts and officials.

Carcasses of Olive Ridley turtles, which are currently in their breeding season, continue to wash ashore along the Visakhapatnam coast.

For the past few days, visitors have been finding the carcasses on the beaches in the city such as Mangamaripeta, near Bhimili.

Eyewitnesses say that a number of carcasses were found on the beach on Saturday night.

Environmental experts say that a majority of the deaths are due to marine pollution and trawling activities for catching fish.

National Fisherfolk Forum general secretary A. Dasu said, “We saw dead turtles on the city beaches, especially at Mangamaripeta, where at least 10 carcasses were washed ashore on Saturday night (December 14). This is a shocking experience. During this season, the turtles come close to the shore, up to nearly 500 metres, to lay eggs.”

“I too have seen some turtle carcasses on the city beaches. I feel guilty. Why are the carcasses left on the beaches, instead of being buried? It’s an awful sight to see birds feasting on them,” said K. Suresh Kumar, an IT employee, who participated in the Vizag Navy Marathon on Sunday (December 15).

The Andhra Pradesh State Forest Department usually takes up conservation of turtles every season. Officials say that this year too they have started four artificial hatcheries as part of the conservation measures.