Experts observe delay in olive ridley turtle nesting in Kundapur

Udupi: The nesting season for olive ridley turtles in Kundapur, typically observed between Dec and March, was delayed this year. Over the years, volunteers from various organisations like Clean Kundapura Project, FSL India, and ReefWatch Marine Conservation have joined hands with the forest department in the conservation activity in Kundapur.
Yashashwini M, research officer at ReefWatch Marine Conservation, Kundapur, said that between Jan and March last year, 16 nesting sites were reported, and that a total 531 hatchlings were released to the sea last season, with the support of forest department officials."Back then, we even found a dead sea turtle with eggs. Despite relocating the eggs to the sand as advised by the forest department, no hatchlings emerged after 60 days of guarding," she said.
One nesting site was also recorded at Beejadi, but due to disturbances in the natural surroundings, the eggs were relocated to Kodi. Yashashwini suspects Beejadi could have more nesting activity due to its relatively low light pollution, absence of homestays near the shore and low anthropogenic activities.
Regarding the delay, Yashashwini explained, "The rough sea conditions and changes in sand patterns could be contributing factors. A proper slope is essential for turtles to come ashore and lay eggs. With the current high tides and lack of suitable slopes, turtles may be unable to nest or may have moved to other locations." She also suspected that high tides might have erased flipper marks, crucial for identifying nesting sites and the species involved.
"There have also been instances of turtles getting stranded. While the exact reasons remain unclear, Yashashwini suspects collisions with boats or rocks, leading to drowning. Recently, in Ramanagindi, Kumta, a stranded green sea turtle with eggs was found, probably the first record of green turtles laying eggs in the region. Plastic waste was discovered in its stomach," she said.
Yashashwini noted that fewer nesting sites have been reported this season, which appears to be delayed. So far, a few sites have been identified in Uttara Kannada, along with one each in Mangaluru and Udupi. She added that experts along with volunteers, locals and the forest department are actively working to monitor and protect the turtles.