Olive Ridley deaths in Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai worry activists; officials say turtle deaths are within normal range

The recent deaths of Olive Ridley turtles along the Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai seashore have raised concerns among environmental activists

The recent deaths of Olive Ridley turtles along the Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai seashore have raised concerns among environmental activists. However, the Forest department has refuted claims of rising mortality rates, asserting that the current numbers align with seasonal trends and that conservation measures are in place to protect the species.

Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai District Forest Officer (DFO) Abhishek Tomar said: “From late December till date, we have recorded 138 Olive Ridley deaths across the two districts, which falls within the expected seasonal range. The nesting season, which begins in late December, extends until March. On regular days, we observe one or two deaths while on full moon and new moon days, the number rises to five or six due to natural factors. However, no instances of mass deaths have been observed.”

He told The Hindu that all recovered carcasses undergo post-mortem examinations unless they were in an advanced state of decomposition. Two veterinarians from Poompuhar and Thirukkadaiyur have been trained for this purpose.

Mr. Tomar pointed out that Olive Ridley deaths primarily result from illegal purse seine nets and occasional boat collisions. The department had been actively promoting Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) among fishermen and conducting joint patrols with the Fisheries department to monitor fishing activities. In addition to enforcement, awareness campaigns, school outreach programmes, and street plays were conducted to highlight the ecological significance of Olive Ridley turtles.

Forest department sources revealed that over 50,000 Olive Ridley eggs had been collected this season, with daily nesting figures ranging between 10 and 20.

Despite the Forest department’s assurances, conservationists have raised concerns over unreported Olive Ridley deaths.

Former Vettangudi panchayat councillor and conservationist P. Anguthan alleged that many carcasses were buried without post-mortem examinations. “Locals report numerous unrecorded deaths, with the Forest Department and fishermen failing to follow due procedures,” he said and urged the government to establish a conservation sanctuary in the Kollidam, where nesting activity was higher than in other Cauvery delta regions.