Low Hatching Success of Olive Ridley Turtles in Goa Triggers Expert Intervention
In a concerning development for marine conservation efforts in Goa, the first protected nest of the olive ridley turtle season at Agonda beach has recorded a significantly low hatching rate. Forest officials reported that only 68 hatchlings initially emerged from a clutch of 145 eggs, prompting immediate action to investigate the underlying causes.
Delayed Emergence and Expert Assessment
The south marine range forest officer, Rajesh Naik, raised the alarm when the nest failed to hatch even after 60 days, despite the average incubation period for olive ridley turtles being around 50 days. This delay led to the summoning of officials and experienced rescuers to assess the situation.
Marine biologist and ecologist Nester Brian Fernandes was called upon to examine the nest. During an inspection on the 60th day, active hatching and emergence were finally observed. Two hatchlings emerged during the monitoring session, followed by nearly 68 more later that evening. An additional four emerged the next day, bringing the total to 72 hatchlings from the original 145 eggs.
Expert Analysis of Low Hatching Rate
Nester Brian Fernandes, who boasts over five years of experience working with sea turtles, provided insights into the low emergence rate. He attributed the delay to cooler climatic conditions, which may have slowed the development and emergence process. Fernandes explained that not all eggs in a clutch are fertilized, making a 100% hatching success biologically improbable.
"Larger clutch sizes often show proportionally lower emergence rates," Fernandes noted. "It remains critical to protect nests from high-risk threats. Furthermore, longer monitoring needs to be done to see if there are any changes."
Veterinary and Rescue Team Involvement
From the veterinary perspective, Tanuj Mark and Dr. Manohar Nagre from ReefWatch and Benaulim Veterinary Hospital were also summoned to evaluate whether any medical intervention was necessary. Their assessment aimed to ensure the health and viability of the remaining eggs and hatchlings.
The on-site team included RFO Rajesh V. Naik, rescuers Dadafir Mulla and Sundipha, along with Ajay Pagi, Yesu Pagi, and other members of the rescue team. Their collective efforts focused on safeguarding the nest and monitoring the hatching process closely.
Implications for Conservation Efforts
This incident highlights the challenges faced in olive ridley turtle conservation, particularly in the face of environmental factors like cooler temperatures. The low hatching rate underscores the need for continuous monitoring and expert intervention to enhance survival rates.
Forest officials and conservationists are now emphasizing the importance of extended monitoring periods and protective measures to mitigate threats to these endangered species. The collaboration between forest officers, marine biologists, veterinarians, and rescuers demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing such issues in Goa's coastal ecosystems.
