Over 163 olive ridley sea turtle hatchlings found on Kuakata beach
A rare sight was witnessed with the hatching of 163 olive ridley sea turtle on the sandbanks of Kuakata sea beach in Patuakhali.
Kalapara Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Kawsar Hamid said, “This is a very positive event. The role of local voluntary organisations and conscious people in protecting the environment is commendable. The administration will continue to provide all kinds of support to preserve marine biodiversity.”
The baby turtles were rescued from a hole under an abandoned shop adjacent to the beach in the Lemburban area of Kuakata on Tuesday afternoon.
Later, the hatchlings were safely released into the estuaries of three rivers near the Andharmanik River with the collaboration of the Forest Department, Upazila Administration and environmental workers.
According to local sources, Md Bayezid, a businessman from the Lemburbon area, went to open his fish fry shop on Tuesday morning after it had been closed for a long time. At that time, he became suspicious when he saw small baby turtles moving in the sand under the shop. After further investigation, he found numerous baby turtles inside the hole.
The matter was immediately reported to the local volunteer organization ‘Upara’, whose members rushed to the spot and rescued the hatchlings. After the rescue, members of the coastal environment protection movement ‘Upara’ informed the Forest Department and Upazila administration.
Later, in the presence of officials concerned, the hatchlings were released into sea-facing waters in a safe environment.
KM Bachchu, convener of the coastal environment protection movement ‘Upara’, said, “These are baby Olive Ridley sea turtles. We also found egg shells while rescuing them.
It is believed that the mother turtle laid eggs here a few days ago. The eggs hatched naturally, and the babies emerged. However, since the place was under an abandoned shop, they were unable to reach the sea.”
Ruman Imtiaz Tushar, team leader of the Kuakata Dolphin Protection Committee, said, “The Kuakata coast is very important for marine biodiversity.
Olive Ridley turtles usually lay their eggs on quiet beaches. Locals need to be more aware to protect such animals. If anyone sees turtle eggs or hatchlings, they should not harm them and should immediately inform the Forest Department.”
Mohipur Range Officer Moniruzzaman said, “The rescued baby turtles have been released safely. Sea turtles are very important for the environment. The Forest Department is regularly monitoring them to ensure their migration and reproduction in coastal areas.”
