In a heartening conservation effort, over 1,500 baby Olive Ridley turtles have been released into the Bay of Bengal from Pechar Dwip, along the Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf Marine Drive, over the past 20 days. These hatchlings emerged from eggs laid by an Olive Ridley mother turtle nearly three months ago on the sandy shores of Peya Char.
Environmentalists had carefully collected and incubated the eggs in a protected hatchery, ensuring their safe development. Over the past few days, the hatchlings have started emerging, and conservation workers have guided them toward the sea.
On Friday, March 21, 120 baby turtles were released in a single event. The hatchlings were born at a breeding hatchery managed by Nature Conservation Management (NECOM). The Forest Department and NECOM officials have been actively involved in the safe release of these creatures, often called “janitors of the sea” due to their role in maintaining marine ecosystem balance.
This initiative highlights the importance of sea turtle conservation in Cox’s Bazar and the crucial role of protected hatcheries in ensuring the survival of endangered species like the Olive Ridley turtle.
By Mohammad Morshed
File Photo
