"Of the many threats to the Olive Ridley Turtle and the unique
eco-systems of Orissa coast, the proposed port at Dhamra in the
Bhitarkanika sanctuary, is the most immediate threat," says Sanjiv
Gopal, oceans campaigner Greenpeace India. "Greenpeace calls on the
promoters of the project, Orissa Government and Tatas, to abandon
the project, as it will destroy the natural wealth of the region as
well as one of the last world's turtle mass nesting sites."
The mass nesting, or arribada, of the Olive Ridley Turtles is a
unique natural phenomenon that occurs along the Orissa coastline.
Olive Ridley's (1) are like all other sea turtles, listed as
endangered animals. Turtles are very vulnerable, as only one in
every 1000 hatchlings survives to adulthood.
Over the last decade close to 100,000 adult turtles have
suffered from human activities at the coast of Orissa, with
mechanized fishing being the principle cause. The present high
mortality rates have been continuing for several years. Each year
that passes without improvement will lead to the loss of thousands
of breeding turtles and a decline in the population.
Recent genetic studies (2) suggest that Olive Ridleys that nest
on India's east coast are distinct from other populations and could
even be the ancestors to populations in other ocean basins. This
theory emphasizes the need to conserve this population.
"Banning fishing activities along the Orissa coast without
ensuring that the fishermen have an alternative source of
livelihood will not meet the objective of protecting the turtles,"
said Richard Page, oceans campaigner Greenpeace International. "Key
areas should be identified with the help and knowledge of the local
community and promoted as marine reserves and protected from any
short-sighted development plans."
"The authorities should also take immediate steps to tackle the
problem of industrial pollution and illegal aquaculture farms along
the coast line that are playing havoc with the environment and the
health and livelihood of the local population". He added
The SV Rainbow Warrior is at Paradip Port between 17th and 22nd
of November 2004, as part of its global 'Save our Seas' mission.
The Indian leg of the tour began at Chennai with an aim to raise
profile of the rich marine eco-systems, fragile habitats and
endangered creatures of the world's oceans amongst students and
citizens.
For more information:
Sanjiv Gopal, Campaigner Greenpeace India, +91 98 4553 5416
Richard Page, Greenpeace International Oceans Campaigner, +44
7801 212966
Maartje van Boekel, Media Officer Greenpeace International, +91
98 61157074
NOTES:
(1) The Olive Ridley is protected in India under Schedule I of
the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and are protected under the
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora
and Fauna (CITES).
(2) Dr. Kartik Shanker, Biology of the Turtle
Click for an overview on the rich biodiversity of the east coast
of India.
Greenpeace is an independent, campaigning organisation, which
uses non-violent creative confrontation to expose global
environmental problems and to force solutions, which are essential
to a green and peaceful future. Greenpeace's goal is to ensure the
ability of the earth to nurture life in all its diversity.