THE GOAN NETWORK
CANACONA
The forest department’s South Goa Marine Range is hopeful of a better Olive Ridley turtle nesting season at the two sites in Agonda and Galgibaga.
The South Goa Marine Range RFO Rajesh Naik was speaking after he along with Forest Guard Ankush Karapurkar, Marine Biologist Nestor Fernandes and South Goa Marine Range staff released 84 Olive Ridley hatchlings at Agonda beach on Monday night.
“So far, I would say that the nesting season is going well. We are expecting to get more nests in the coming months, and we hope to have as successful nesting season as last year or even better than last year,” informed RFO Naik.
Naik further informed that as compared to last year, the forest department is more prepared this year and has more forest staff and experts to improve and manage this nesting season.
“We thank our marine experts, Nester Fernandes and Xavier D’souza, as well as all the local fishermen of both beaches at Agonda and Galgibaga, Drishti lifeguards, KCIC staff, tourists, and visitors who have assisted us this nesting season by reporting, protecting, and keeping the beaches clean.”
“We also thank the media for spreading awareness, and ensuring the public stays informed about the importance of sea turtle conservation.”
During this season so far, 913 hatchlings have been released from among the 16,095 eggs protected in 160 pits at the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre’s (TRC) in Agonda and Galgibaga.
At Agonda, 119 turtle pits have protected 11,654 eggs, while 41 pits have protected 4,441 eggs at the Galgibaga TRC which, incidentally, is also the headquarters of South Marine Range of Forest Department (Wildlife).
So far, the Agonda TRC has already released 684 hatchlings, while the Galgibaga TRC has released 229 hatchlings into the sea.
