BERHAMPUR: Non-biodegradable polythene waste thrown in the sea has started to become a threat for the endangered Olive Ridley turtles that come for mating and nesting to the Rushikulya rookery coast in Ganjam district of Odisha.
An Olive Ridley entangled in a large polythene bag used to pack food grains was rescued and released in the sea by volunteers of the Rushikulya Sea Turtle Protection Committee (RSTPC) on Wednesday afternoon. This organisation, led by environmental activist Rabindranath Sahu, includes marine fishermen from villages near the rookery. The fishermen, because of their traditional belief, are involved in the protection of sea turtles since generations.
The entangled Olive Ridley was sighted during a regular visit by RSTPC activists to monitor the presence of thousands of these endangered turtles during their continuing mating season. It was spotted around 3 km from the coastline. It was taken out of the polythene bag and released in the sea.
According to Mr. Sahu, the rescued turtle was lucky to be sighted and saved, while several others could be dying. He blamed the fishing trawlers for dumping the bags.
Trawlers are banned near nesting coasts but they go fishing beyond the restricted zone and carry food supplies in polythene bags. After consuming the food, the fishermen dump these bags in the water.
“To eat these small fish, Olive Ridleys at times enter these polythene bags and get entangled,” said Mr. Sahu.
