18 Dec 2007 Visakhapatnam, India, Indian Sub-continent Communities | Marine | Turtles
The purpose is to present extension of endangered Olive Ridley Sea Turtle, which are nesting in increasing number of the Indian State of Andhra Pradesh.
Outreach programs are needed to demonstrate to the community members the importance of these animals, as well as to teach them the state laws designed to protect them. Visits by health professionals to provide dietary supplement this education. Educating trawlers operators about methods and devices which are less perilous to the animals will help prevent accidental deaths.
Recruiting community members for this project offers them alternative sources of income to the ones which currently endanger the turtles. Monitoring and relocation of nests which are on beaches near concentrations of dogs, beach goers, and construction is vital. Accordingly, construction of protected harbours and jetties will provide safe areas for the turtles to come ashore and lay eggs. Formation of additional research programs by government agencies and NGO's are planned to encourage cooperation and explore potential improvements to the program as it grows.
The turtle breeding season is from October to June, so these activities will be most intense during that period. For the rest of the year, evolution, preparation of reports, and creation of any materials for the upcoming season will be carried out.