the goan I network
MARGAO
Drishti lifeguards rescued five sea turtles which were found entangled in damaged nets at Betalbaim, Cavelossim in Salcete and Rajbag in Canacona.
Drishti claimed that the sea turtles were entrapped in a net which had washed up on the shore. The incidents were reported to the forest department immediately.
The turtles spotted were freed from the net and its condition was examined. As medical intervention was not required, the turtles were released back into the ocean.
In a statement, Marine Wildlife Stranding Network, Ocean Watch - Goa, witnessed five live turtle stranding this week, all entrapped in discarded nets, along the coast of South Goa.
The nets in which the marine mammals get entangled are commonly called ghost nets. Ghost nets are fishing nets that have been left or lost in the ocean by fishermen. 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. In recent times Goa’s coast has witnessed a number of incidents of turtle stranding.
Ocean watch is a collaborative effort between Terra Conscious, Drishti, Goa Forest Department and IUCN India.
