Benaulim Fishermen Francisco alias Pele Fernandes has received a letter of appreciation from the forest department for his role in biodiversity conservation in his village.
Taking cognizance of Pele’s gesture of releasing back in the sea the turtles that were rescued by him and other fishermen off Benaulim coast, the forest department handed over the letter to the fisherman.
A group of forest officials descended on Benaulim to honour Pele with the letter of appreciation and a flower bouquet.
Sub-divisional forest officer Vishal Surve Pele was honoured for his “exemplary” work of recusing the turtles entangled in damaged nets and releasing them in the sea. “The department appreciates the very good work done by Pele in the conservation of biodiversity. His work is a message to other fishermen and water sports operators to conserve nature," Surve said.
Saying that the department expects other fishermen to emulate Pele’s work, Surve said that the rescue and release of turtles in the sea only go to show even locals are actively involved in the conservation of nature.
While thanking the department for the kind gesture, Pele said he is happy that his work has been recognized. He pointed out that local fishermen have been actively involved in rescuing and releasing sea turtles and they continue doing so in the future.
