Turtles wrapped in nets wash ashore in Goa, saved

The sea turtles entrapped in a net and washed ashore on three beaches in south Goa last week have been released back into the ocean.

Earlier this week, Drishti lifeguards spotted sea turtles caught in a fishing net and washed up on the shore in Betalbatim, Cavelossim, and Rajbag Canacona, South Goa.

The incidents were reported to the Forest department immediately. Drishti is a lifeguard agency contracted by Goa Tourism department to guard its coastline, for the safety of tourists and others.

The turtles were freed from the net and examined. As medical intervention was not required, the turtles were released back into the ocean. Marine Wildlife Stranding Network, Ocean Watch - Goa, witnessed have expressed strong concern and anguish over the incident of entrapped turtles found on the shore.

The nets in which the marine mammals get entangled are commonly called ghost nets. Ghost nets are fishing nets that have been abandoned by fishermen or lost in the ocean. These nets are hazardous to turtles and other marine life as they continue to actively catch fish, sea snakes, cetaceans, turtles and other marine animals.

Sea turtles are air-breathing reptiles.

The weight of a net may hold them back and not allow them to surface. An added load also slows them down.