THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
With officials of the forest department finding the highest number of Olive Ridley sea turtle nests this year, Goa is looking to release the highest number of Olive Ridley sea turtle hatchlings into the sea this year thanks to the Morjim turtle hatchery.
Last year, 24 Olive Ridley nests were found on North Goa’s beaches. This year, however, the number has gone up to 43 nests so far with the total number of eggs going up to 4366.
“Hatching time is 45-55 days and it is expected that 70 percent of the eggs will be hatched successfully. This year it is expected that more than 2800 hatchlings will be released into the sea,” informed a forest official.
The Olive Ridley sea turtle eggs are found not only at Morjim beach, but also at Miramar and Vagator beach as well. Campal range looks after the conservation of this turtle.
As per data available with the forest department about the Morjim hatchery, 1322 hatchlings were released in to the sea in the year 2018-19.
The following year, 2019-20, a total 1437 Olive Ridley sea turtle hatchlings were released in to the sea after successful hatching at the Morjim hatchling site.
In the year 2020-21, a total of 1764 Olive Ridley sea turtle hatchlings were released in to the sea.
Back in 2000-01, a total of 2430 hatchlings were released in to the sea and this was the highest number till now. Otherwise, 200 to 700 Olive Ridley sea turtle hatchlings are released into the sea every year.
Morjim and Mandrem in Pernem, Agonda and Galgibaga in Canacona taluka are the four Olive Ridley turtle nesting sites designated under the Coastal Rregulation Zone (CRZ) notification 2011.
Forest staff identify the eggs sites (nests) and relocate the Olive Ridley sea turtle eggs to hatchling sites where a vigil is kept over them day and night to protect them from stray dogs and poachers.
