Rare live Olive Ridley sea turtle rescued at Kuakata beach

A Rare live Olive Ridley sea turtle rescued from Kuakata beach

Patuakhali: A rare live Olive Ridley sea turtle has been rescued at Kuakata sea beach, a tourist destination in Patuakhali. Local photographer Saifur Islam spotted the turtle in the area adjacent to DC Park on Saturday around 11:30 am. Later, he informed the environmental organization “Coastal Environment Protection Movement (UPRA)” about the matter, and members of the organization quickly reached the spot and rescued the turtle.

Environmental activists have confirmed that the rescued turtle is of the Olive Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) species. This turtle, weighing about 30 to 35 kg, is also commonly known as the “Pacific Ridley”. It roams the warm and tropical seas of the world. Although they are mainly found in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, they also roam the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) has listed this species as a vulnerable species.

According to local sources, while walking on the beach in the morning, the turtle was seen lying weakly near the waves. Later, it was taken to a safe place. Upon receiving the news, members of the UPARA reached the spot and started first aid and informed the Forest Department and Upazila Livestock Officer.

UPARA convener KM Bachchu said, initially we think it is an adult female Olive Ridley turtle. Usually, female turtles come to quiet beaches on the coast to lay eggs at this time. It may have come to the Kuakata coast to lay eggs. However, the turtle was found in a very weak and exhausted condition. Such a situation could also be due to getting caught in a fishing net in the sea, being out of water for a long time, or eating plastic waste. He said that the turtle was rescued and kept in a safe place and is being given first aid.

He also said that the turtle's body is being monitored to see if there are any deep injuries. Officials of the Forest Department and Livestock Department have been contacted.

Kuakata Forest Department Camp Officer Md. Rubel said, Olive Ridley sea turtles are an important part of our coastal biodiversity. Such animals are rarely seen. It was possible to rescue the turtle alive due to the quick information provided by the locals. We are currently monitoring the physical condition of the turtle. If necessary, expert advice will be sought. After recovery, it will be released into the sea in a safe environment.

Coastal Environment Protection Movement Upara's member secretary Asaduzzaman Miraj said, the habitat and reproduction of sea turtles are under serious threat due to plastic and polythene waste in the sea, water pollution, climate change and unbridled fishing. Many turtles are in danger due to the lack of a safe environment in coastal areas, especially during the egg-laying season.

He also said that the presence of the rare Olive Ridley turtle on Kuakata beach is a positive sign for coastal biodiversity. However, environmental activists have demanded that government and private initiatives be strengthened to conserve such animals. - Gofran Palash