St Martin’s Island, known for being a vital breeding ground for various species of turtles, is witnessing an alarming rise in dangers faced by mother turtles. The serene coral island, located off Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, is grappling with multiple threats, including the use of banned fishing nets, an increase in stray dogs, growing tourist numbers, and pollution. Recent reports highlight the discovery of six lifeless turtles along the shores of Baliary beach on St Martin’s Island between January 17 and 25.
Researchers emphasize that the period from November to April marks the sea turtle nesting season, with mother turtles venturing ashore to lay eggs. However, the hostile environment has resulted in the unfortunate demise of several turtles, all belonging to the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtle species. Weighing between 35-40 kg, these turtles exhibited injury marks on their bodies.
The escalating threats include banned fishing nets, indiscriminate tourist activities, and pollution. Efforts to conserve these endangered turtles are being led by the Community Development Centre (CODEC), a non-government organization funded by USAID. Their Nature and Live Project, initiated to safeguard turtles, aims to address the increasing risks faced by these marine creatures.
Project director Shital Kumar Nath shared insights, mentioning that Bangladesh has identified five sea turtle species, with the Olive Ridley being a frequently observed species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has included Olive Ridley turtles in its red list, emphasizing the need for conservation measures.
Research conducted by Professor Md Farid Ahsan from Chittagong University identifies 11 existential threats to sea turtles, including the destruction of nests, the use of banned fishing nets, unplanned infrastructure development, and more. Banned gill nets, current nets, and tana nets contribute to the demise of mother turtles caught in fishing nets.
Despite these challenges, private initiatives are underway to save sea turtles. CODEC’s Nature and Live Project, launched in 2021, focuses on turtle conservation along a 40-km coastal stretch. Awareness campaigns are being conducted to educate locals and the fishing community, and turtle hatcheries have been established to boost turtle production. However, challenges persist, including a shortage of staff at the Department of Environment (DoE), which hampers their ability to implement initiatives effectively.
With mother turtles facing increased risks, the importance of preserving specific sandy beach locations free from threats like stray dogs becomes crucial. Conservationists stress the adherence to guidelines for managing ecologically endangered areas, like Cox’s Bazar, to enhance efforts in saving these remarkable marine creatures. Stay tuned for updates on ongoing turtle conservation initiatives on St Martin’s Island.
