Karwar: The Forest Department has rescued a total of 129 eggs after receiving information from locals that the Olive Ridley species of sea turtle had laid its eggs at Majali Hipli Beach.
Local fishermen had noticed the footprints of the sea turtle on the morning of Monday December 26 and informed the Forest Department.
Led by the RFO of the Maritime Division Pramod Naik, DRFOs Chandrakanth, Prakash and other staff reached and inspected the spot ably guided by DCF Prasanth K. C. During the time, 129 sea turtle eggs were found. They immediately preserved them.
November to March are the egg-laying season for Olive Ridley sea turtles and the eggs in 50 to 60 days.
Devbhag, Majali and Bhavikeri Beaches in Ankola have been marked as sea turtle egg-laying areas. The Coastal and Marine Ecosystem Cell has been functioning in the State’s Forest Department since last year for the conservation of marine life.
Accordingly, more than 1,500 sea turtle eggs were preserved last year and more than 1,300 young ones were successfully released into the sea, Forest Department officials said.
Sea turtles are more likely to come ashore in the coming days to lay their eggs. Forest officials are checking the beach on a daily basis. DCF Prashanth K. C. has also asked the locals and fishermen to inform the department if they get to known about it, he said.
