A dozen Olive Ridley turtles were found dead near Bhimunipatnam beach on Tuesday, raising concern among green activists.
It is suspected that they might have died due to trawling without using the turtle excluder device. The exact reason could not be know immediately.
Visakhapatnam coast has remained a favouring nesting ground for Olive Ridley turtles, classified as highly dangerous. They are listed in Red Category by IUCN and included in Schedule-I of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Environmental activist J.V. Ratnam said, “Despite frequent deaths of the highly endangered turtles, no action is being initiated to protect them. Stray dogs also destroy the nesting grounds, where the turtles lay eggs on the beach.”
The turtles, after laying eggs, move to Rushikulya riverbed and Gahirmatha beach near Bhitarkanika in Odisha during winter.
