CANACONA
The first batch of 88 Olive Ridley hatchlings was released into the Arabian Sea from the Agonda Turtle Rehabilitation Centre (TRC) on Friday night, even as the two reserved beaches of Agonda and Galgibaga in Canacona were bustling with a fresh arrival of Olive Ridley eggs.
The 88 hatchlings released were from the first nesting that took place on December 31, 2021.
According to officers from the Agonda TRC, 118 eggs were protected and hatched after a 50-day incubation period, bringing cheer at the forest department (wildlife) which operates the TRCs at four of the turtle reserved beaches at Agonda and Galgibaga (Canacona taluka), Morjim and Mandrem (Pernem taluka).
“On successful completion of the incubation period, 88 Olive Ridley hatchlings were released into sea on Friday night,” said RFO (Wildlife) Anant Velip.
According to forest (wildlife) sources, there were 20 other eggs still healthy in the pit, but given the mortality rate, it is unlikely that they are likely to develop into hatchlings.
Incidentally, both turtle reserved beaches at Agonda and Galgibaga are bustling with visits by Olive Ridley turtles to lay eggs and at present, there are 25 pits protected at the TRCs in Agonda and Galgibaga.
Three Olive Ridley turtles have arrived at Agonda beach in the last four days and 17 pits containing 1,682 eggs are presently being protected by TRC guards.
The other reserved beach at Galgibag in Canacona has 8 pits with about 870 Olive Ridley eggs.
