A total of 4,881 baby sea turtles, hatched at five hatcheries along the Teknaf coastline, have been released into the sea this month. According to officials, the hatchlings were set free at various points along the coastal areas of the upazila throughout April.
The latest release occurred yesterday afternoon, when 95 baby turtles were set free on the shores of North Shilkhali beach in Baharchhara Union.
COAST Trust, a non-governmental organization, has worked on sea turtle conservation and breeding in Teknaf for over two decades. Md. Liaquat Ali, a research facilitator with the organization, said that the breeding season for Olive Ridley sea turtles—known for their distinctive greenish color—runs from November to March. During this time, the turtles come ashore to lay their eggs in the coastal dunes.
The Forest Department supports the collection and incubation of the eggs in hatcheries. Once the hatchlings emerge, they are released back into their natural marine habitat.
Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Courtesy
