The mystery behind the rising number of dead sea turtles washing ashore in Cox’s Bazar continues to deepen. On Wednesday, researchers from the Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute (BORI) recovered 14 more dead turtles from various parts of the beach. This brings the total number of dead turtles found in the last 27 days to 98.
According to Mohammad Shimul Bhuiyan, a scientific officer at BORI, the dead turtles, all of the Olive Ridley species, were recovered between 7:15 AM and 5:15 PM from Mangala Para to Nazirartek Point.
“We were informed by locals about dead turtles washing ashore at different locations of the beach. In response, a five-member scientific team from BORI was formed to investigate the cause of these deaths,” said Shimul Bhuiyan.
On Wednesday, BORI’s research team conducted its fourth phase of surveys along the coast, finding one dead turtle at Mangala Para, two at Pechar Dwip, three at Salsa Beach, four at Himchari, and four at Darianagar.
Shimul Bhuiyan explained that November to March marks the breeding season for sea turtles, during which female turtles migrate to the shore to lay eggs. Many turtles get entangled in fishing nets or collide with large vessels, leading to their deaths.
“These turtles likely died one to one and a half months ago, not recently. In many cases, we found just the remains of their shells,” he added.
According to BORI, between January and February 20, 2024, 29 dead turtles were recovered from the beaches of Sonadia, Himchhari, Sonarpara, Inani, and Teknaf. Additionally, three dead dolphins and one dead porpoise were also found washed ashore during that period.
The alarming rate of sea turtle deaths raises serious concerns about marine conservation in Cox’s Bazar. While investigations continue, experts emphasize the need for protective measures to safeguard these endangered marine species.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
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