Turtle trails for sea turtle protection will benefit Kerala in many ways, but there are obstacles

KOCHI: Stones and trees on the coast are a barrier to sea turtles coming to Kerala. The construction of rock walls to prevent sea erosion and the planting of Sheoaks trees on the beaches are the main barriers for turtles coming to lay their eggs. The soil where Sheoaks grow will become firm. This will make it difficult for turtles that dig holes and lay their eggs. These obstacles must be overcome for the sea turtle conservation project announced for Kerala in the central budget to become a reality.

It is hoped that eco-friendly paths will be built for the turtles to enter. Organisations related to this are active in the Vypeen, Chavakkad, Blangad, Mannalamkunnu and Payyoli areas. Their workers will protect the eggs from dogs, foxes, hawks, etc. Rare species of hawksbill sea turtles used to arrive on the Kerala coast. Olive red, green, loggerhead and leatherback are found in the Indian Ocean. They arrive in large numbers and return after laying eggs. The breeding season is from December to March.

• Turtles will eat jellyfish and creatures that threaten fishermen

• They will control the growth of seaweed and other aquatic plants

• Sea turtle conservation will attract tourists.

• Sea turtles can be used to study climate change, changes in the ocean, and marine life

Shrimp will soar

Shrimp entrepreneurs will benefit if the turtle conservation projects become a reality. The US has imposed sanctions on shrimp exports from India and some European countries have imposed restrictions, alleging shortcomings in turtle conservation. The problem is that the 'turtle excluder device' to save turtles is not attached to the trawl nets. The device costs more than Rs 30,000. Shrimp exports will be active again if the turtle device is made available with the help of environmental agencies.

Many coastal protection projects are an obstacle to the sea turtle conservation project.

Dr. MK Sajeevan,

Faculty of Fisheries Eng., Kufos