The Turtles and the Tatas

Olive Ridley turtles is usually found in the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic oceans. It is one of the smallest species of sea turtle and are listed in the Endangered Species Act of the USA.

In the Indian Ocean, a major nesting ground for the species can be found in the Indian state of Orissa. Beaches in Devi, Gahirmatha and Rushikulya are known nesting sites for the L. olivacea Indian Ocean population. In 2007, around 130,000 turtles nested on the beaches of Gahirmatha. Unfortulately, the beaches of Orissa provide one of the last nesting grounds of the Olive Ridley turtles in the world.

Olive Ridley turtles rely on an inexplicable, in-built navigation system that guides them, when it’s time for them to reproduce, back to the precise coast on which they were born. Hence, protecting the nesting ground becomes imminent to the survival of these endangered species.

These turtles have one more threat to face now: The Dhamra Port which is a Joint Venture between Larsen & Toubro and Tata Steel. The tatas who have been the source of inspiration for so many are now being criticised by organisations like Greenpeace, Wildlife Protection Society of India and the Orissa Traditional Fishworkers’ Union.

This is not the first time they are being criticised, they have been under the scanner before also.

It is time for you to support the cause of Turtles and help protect them by joining the march, or writing to the Tatas.

Save the turtles!