BY ABDUL RAUF BEIG
PANAJI: While many places across the world were facing a tough time in conservation of the sea turtles, mainly due to beach erosion, Goa was well placed in conserving the sea turtles as all the three nesting places in the state (Morjim, Agonda and Galgibag) did not encounter any beach erosion over the last several years.

The additional principal chief conservator of forests, Dr Shashi Kumar told The Navhind Times that the forest department has taken various measures to protect the sea turtles, including their nesting places, and keeping public and animals away from the nesting places.
Dr Kumar further said the forest department was protecting individual nests by basically using old fishing nets to protect the eggs and the hatchlings from dogs and other animals and round-the-clock vigil was maintained. Besides, no human activity was also allowed in close proximity of the nesting areas to prevent disturbance to the turtles who come to lay eggs, he added.
Stating that the beaches in the state were popular tourist destinations and that it was rather difficult task to keep people away from visiting them, he said that efforts made by the forest department have borne fruits and the people have been prevented from playing loud music and putting up lights, which deter the turtles from coming for nesting.
He also stated that lights during the night was extremely dangerous for the survival of the hatchlings as they get disoriented and rush towards the lights on the shore and could die and be eaten by the dogs. The hatchlings normally take to the sea soon after their birth and often mistake light to sunlight and rush towards it, he added.
The top forest official further said the forest department’s efforts to create awareness among locals and rope in the volunteers from the nesting areas have paid off and many of them have helped his department in conserving the turtles. Besides, many locals find employment in the process, he added.
The nesting sites were indirectly promoting tourism as many nature lovers and conservationists, especially foreigners, visit these sites to know about the progress and methodology adopted in conserving sea turtles, he said further.
Dr Kumar also said that over the past five years the nesting season for the year 2006-07 was better but the current season (2009-10) could be even better. He said that in all 19 nests were laid at three nesting sites in the state of which nine were in Agonda while five each were located at Morjim and Galgibag.
He further said that of the 2,088 eggs laid at the three nesting sites in Goa, 1,573 hatchlings (survived) and were released to the sea, while 420 were yet to be hatched. Of the remaining 95 were found dead, he said further.