Gazi Anowar :
In a distressing incident that has raised alarm over the state of marine biodiversity in Bangladesh, at least 86 endangered turtles have been found dead along the shores of Cox’s Bazar, one of the world’s longest unbroken sandy beaches.
Sources said in just last one week, as many as 86 turtles were spotted dead along the Cox’s Bazar coastline, with most of them having injury marks on their bodies.
The dead turtles recovered by the Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute at a time ranging from January 24 to 30 were mostly olive-coloured or of Olive Ridley species.
Of them, two dead turtles were recovered from Saint Martin’s Island on Thursday (January 30).
Mohammad Shimul Bhuiyan, scientific officer at Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute (BORI) is keeping track of dead turtles.
The discovery, made by local residents and environmental activists, has prompted an immediate outcry and calls for urgent intervention from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
The dead turtles, believed to be species critical to marine ecosystems, were found scattered across a stretch of beach.
The cause of their deaths is yet to be determined, but
authorities suspect that a combination of factors, including pollution, climate change, and fishing-related incidents, could be responsible.
The beach has long been a nesting site for sea turtles, particularly the endangered Olive Ridley and green turtles.
“We are deeply concerned about the mass mortality of these turtles.
This incident could have a severe impact on the local marine ecosystem, which is already under threat from pollution and unsustainable fishing practices,” said Dr. Mohammad Muslem Uddin, Professor at Department of Oceanography, University of Chittagong.
Md. Hasibul Islam, principal Scientific Officer of BORI, told The New Nation that the death of about 100 sea turtles in less than a month is not normal. It is commonly caused by fishermen.
It can also be due to other reasons. We are observing. But the exact cause has not been investigated yet. We will have to wait for the results of the cause of death.
BORI can do research as well as enforcement. Many marine animals are often seen dying in this way in Cox’s Bazar.
On the question of what role this organization has played in remedying this, he said, manpower and logistic support do not have the desired meaning.
So we have to proceed with limitations.
SM Atiqur Rahman, Ocean explorer at Save Our Sea, a marine conservation organization said that it is not a natural death. So many deaths were due to entanglement in nets or other unusual causes.
The nature of turtles is that the place where they were born, when it is time to lay eggs, they travel from different countries to that place.
There needs to be BORI’s recommendation on this. At the same time, the Ministry of Environment is also responsible. It is the responsibility of the government to ensure that fishermen are released if they get caught in their nets, he opined.
Experts have warned that the depletion of sea turtle populations would not only affect marine biodiversity but could also disrupt local fisheries, which depend on a balanced ecosystem for sustainable fish stocks.
Action Needed
In response to the alarming situation, environmentalists have urged the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change to take immediate steps to investigate the incident and mitigate future risks to marine life in the region. These measures could include:
1. Investigation and Cause of Death: A detailed investigation should be launched to determine the exact cause of the turtles’ deaths. This includes testing for pollution-related toxins, assessing possible injuries from entanglement in fishing nets, and analyzing environmental changes.
2. Enhanced Marine Conservation Efforts: The ministry must strengthen enforcement of marine protection laws, particularly around nesting sites for turtles. Increased patrols and monitoring are needed to deter illegal fishing and habitat destruction.
3. Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating local communities and visitors about the importance of preserving marine life and maintaining clean beaches should be a priority. Public outreach programs focused on reducing plastic pollution and minimizing human impact on turtle habitats are essential.
4. Collaboration with NGOs: The government should work closely with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international conservation groups to ensure the long-term protection of marine biodiversity.
A Call to Action The tragic deaths of these turtles have shed light on the urgent need for comprehensive marine conservation strategies in Bangladesh.
As one of the world’s most vulnerable regions to climate change and environmental degradation, the country must act swiftly to prevent further harm to its already fragile ecosystems.
With Cox’s Bazar being a UNESCO World Heritage site, the international community’s eyes are now on Bangladesh. It is imperative for the Ministry of Environment to demonstrate strong leadership in safeguarding marine biodiversity, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the richness of the country’s coastal ecosystems.
The environmental community has urged both national and local authorities to respond quickly and effectively to protect not only sea turtles but also the broader marine life that sustains the region’s biodiversity and economy.
