Students from the Maritime Academy have a blast on board the Rainbow Warrior in Paradip.
"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
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Report of The Central Empowered Committee on Olive Ridley Turtles
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.