In an alarming event, over 400 endangered olive ridley turtles have washed ashore on India's east coast near Chennai in the past two weeks, marking the highest number seen in over two decades.
Typically, the coastline experiences 100 to 200 turtle deaths annually, but this year has already surpassed 200 in just a short span. Conservationists are particularly worried about the low nesting activity, with only four nests found so far.
The mass deaths are likely attributed to large fishing nets that trawl the ocean floor, which have been known to entangle and drown these vulnerable turtles. Environmentalists are advocating for better practices among fishers, including the use of turtle excluder devices designed to allow turtles to escape nets.
Olive ridley turtles play a crucial role in marine ecosystems, primarily feeding on jellyfish. Their decline could disrupt the delicate balance of ocean life. This situation highlights the urgent need for effective conservation efforts to protect these ancient creatures and their habitats.