Greenpeace has hailed the Orissa government for its initiative to reduce turtle mortality.
An evaluation of the turtle season from November 2009 to May 2010 by Greenpeace has revealed a sharp reduction of 60% in turtle mortality in the Devi region, signifying better management of Orissa?s coastal fisheries by the state government, Greenpeace campaign manager Sanjiv Gopal said in a press release.
?The Forest and Fisheries Departments have taken a positive step forward with effective marine patrolling near Devi in the 2009-2010 season, proving that reducing the annual turtle mortality is not an impossible task. These efforts need to be sustained every year, and the government simultaneously needs to expedite the process of a comprehensive alternative livelihood programme, particularly for the Gahirmatha region, for impacted traditional fishermen,? he said.
The ?turtle mortality count? supported by Greenpeace India provides a reference to evaluate the state government?s enforcement of the Orissa Marine Fisheries Regulation Act and CEC directives, with emphasis on the Devi region. Over the last turtle season, turtle mortalities have notably dropped by 60%, compared to 2008-2009 in the Devi region. There have also been a record 3,500 plus turtle nests in the Devi region, the highest in the last decade.