The "turtle mortality count" supported by Greenpeace India provides a reference to evaluate the state government's enforcement of the Orissa Marine Fisheries Regulation Act and CEC directives, with emphasis on the Devi region. Over the last turtle season (November 2009 to May 2010), turtle mortalities have notably dropped by 60%, when compared to 2008-2009 in the Devi Region (2). There have also been a record 3500 plus turtle nests in the Devi region, the highest in the last decade (3).
There is an inherent relationship between poor fisheries management and the high annual turtle death toll - both the result of excessive and illegal mechanised fishing in near shore waters. The long term solution to these problems lies in effective enforcement of fishery regulations, implementation of income generation schemes or alternative livelihood programmes for impacted traditional fishers and effective enforcement of the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary.
"The Forest and Fisheries Departments have taken a positive step forward with effective marine patrolling near Devi in the 2009-2010 season, proving that reducing the annual turtle mortality is not an impossible task. These efforts need to be sustained every year, and the government simultaneously needs to expedite the process of a comprehensive alternative livelihood programme, particularly for the Gahirmatha region, for impacted traditional fishermen", said Sanjiv Gopal, Campaign Manager, Oceans, Greenpeace.
Increased patrolling in the Devi region, and an evolving understanding from fisher communities, has resulted in reduced illegal mechanised fishing, and thus a lower turtle death toll. Greenpeace does not have detailed independent data for the Gahirmatha Sanctuary region as the Forest Department is yet to act on its commitment to permit independent observers in this area. To ensure transparency and accuracy, it is critical that the government consistently ensure the inclusion of independent observers (local organisations and fisher community representatives) in the monitoring of turtle mortalities and patrolling programmes across the state.
"If Orissa's fishery dependent livelihoods and fragile marine environment need to be conserved and sustained, the effective enforcement of existing laws is required. This is necessary to restore fish stocks, especially in Orissa's territorial waters, which are currently under severe stress due to the large number of mechanised fishing vessels operating within 10 km. of the shore" added Gopal.
Greenpeace's campaigning efforts in Orissa are focussed on enabling the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary to become a model for better biodiversity conservation and a tool for fisheries management; one that successfully addresses potential conflicts between conservation and livelihoods. A successful model in Orissa can serve as a guiding reference for marine conservation in the rest of India.
For further information, contact
Sanjiv Gopal, Campaign Manager, Oceans, Greenpeace India, 
, +91-98455 35416
Notes to Editor
(1), (2) and (3) Refer to the paper http://www.greenpeace.org/india/press/reports/analysis-of-the-turtle-season “Analysis of the Turtle Season 2009-2010”