Collective efforts can save Olive Ridley turtles: PCCF

State-level workshop in Nellore aims to protect Olive Ridley sea turtles and marine species through collaborative efforts.

With an aim to strengthen the collective efforts to protect Olive Ridley sea turtles and other marine species, a State-level workshop was conducted by Nellore Forest Department, in collaboration with a non-government organisation (NGO) Tree Foundation, at VPR Convention in Golagamudi Road here on Saturday. The officials from Fisheries Department, Indian Coast Guard, Marine Police and fishermen associations’ took part in the programme.

Addressing the gathering, A.K. Naik, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Chief Wildlife Warden in Andhra Pradesh, said, “Nellore coast, like other parts of the State, serves as a critical nesting and foraging habitat for Olive Ridley turtles, which travel thousands of kilometres across oceans to nest on our beaches.”

“The sea turtles, along with other marine megafauna, are essential indicators of the health of our oceans. Their survival ensures the balance of marine ecosystems, impacting fisheries, coastal resilience, and biodiversity as a whole. However, these gentle marine species are increasingly threatened by human activities,” he said.

The PCCF informed, “Accidental bycatch in fishing nets, habitat degradation, pollution, illegal poaching, and the growing impacts of climate change are pushing sea turtles towards the brink. Without urgent intervention and collaborative action, we risk losing not just a species but the ecological stability they provide.”

“Together, we can mitigate the threat of bycatch mortality and protect our precious marine ecosystems. Conservation is not the responsibility of a single department or organisation. It is a shared duty that requires coordinated action. Our efforts today will help create a sustainable model for marine conservation,” he added.

Mr. Naik urged the fishermen, enforcement agencies, researchers, and policymakers to work together to protect marine life, while ensuring the livelihoods of coastal communities. He was hopeful that through the insightful discussions and deliberations, the sea turtles and marine ecosystems can be protected soon.