A study undertaken by the students of the Ecology Department at the Pondicherry University revealed that all but one of the nests, where Olive Ridley turtles laid their eggs during the January-March season on the coast between Chinna Kalapet and Thengaithittu, were poached and destroyed.
The study was part of an academic project which involved research scholars and postgraduate students who monitored the turtles and the nest during the egg-laying season.
According to dean of the department Priya Davidar, the only eggs which hatched belonged to a nest near Panithittu. Over a dozen nests in several other places were systematically poached. Also, several of the turtles were caught in the nets used by the locals for fishing in the area.
Shrinking beaches
Officials at the Forest and Wildlife Department said that the issue was a serious one as beach space for the turtles have already shrunk owing to sea erosion and poaching would ensure that the turtles never return to this part of the coast.
Deputy Conservator of Forest A. Anil Kumar said that the department was trying to engage the youth in the fishing hamlets to monitor and take care of the nests when the turtles visit beaches early next year. A proposal to provide them remuneration for the work could also be worked out, he said.
