350 baby turtles, hatched in a conservation hatchery, have been released into the sea in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar. The release occurred today (Monday) at around 11:30 AM near Majherpara, Shah Porir Dwip, under Sabrang Union.
Abdul Kaiyum, Manager of Natural Resource Management and Climate Change at Nature Conservation Management (NACOM), stated that 8,500 turtle eggs were collected from the Shah Porir Dwip area this season. 1,500 hatchlings have already been released into the sea in multiple phases.
“The baby turtles released today were hatched in a hatchery at Majherpara before being introduced into the saline waters of the sea,” said Kaiyum. He further mentioned that 25,700 turtle eggs were collected this year from 12 locations across Teknaf and the district. Around 85% of these eggs successfully hatched.
A recent survey by NACOM revealed that the number of nesting sites for sea turtles has declined significantly over the past decade. Only 34 sites remain, compared to 52 recorded ten years ago. This decline raises concerns about the increasing threats to sea turtle nesting grounds.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report/Mohammad Morshed
File Photo
