Committee set up to monitor rescue of stranded sea turtles

Dr Reena Dev treats an injured turtle

The Mangrove Cell of the Forest Department has set up a committee comprising senior officers, veterinarian and experts working in the field of marine rescue and rehabilitation, in order to take the right decision about the rescue and release of sea turtles that wash ashore on the beaches in Mumbai and adjoining areas.

The Mangrove Cell and Mangrove Foundation of the Maharashtra Forest Department have made significant development and progress in the state's coastal areas by working with important stake holders like fishing communities, coast guards, police, NGOs, NGIs, researchers, scientists, veterinarians, experts and citizen volunteers.

One of the three turtles found at Juhu beach was caught in a net

The Mangrove Cell and Foundation have also worked on policy making strategically by compensating fishermen who cut off their nets if they catch a protected species; and motivate them to create mangrove and marine products by breeding, farming etc.

"Similarly, on the rescue rehabilitation front, we have now created a committee to monitor and decide on the rescue, rehabilitation and release of stranded sea turtles," said Honorary Wildlife Warden of Thane, Pawan Sharma from NGO RAWW.

The five-member committee has been set up as per guidelines from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Wildlife. The chairperson of the committee is the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Mangroves Cell, and it also comprises the Assistant Conservator of Forest, Range Forest Officer, a veterinarian who has expertise in treating sea turtles, and a NGO representative with experience in the rescue and rehabilitation of the reptiles.

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Every year, once the monsoon starts, the number of marine creatures washing ashore the beaches in Mumbai and adjoining areas sees an increase. There are several volunteers and marine respondents who have been helping the Mangrove Cell in the rescue and rehabilitation of these creatures.

In the month of June this year, a total of 3 injured turtles including two Olive ridley and one Hawksbill turtle were rescued from Juhu beach. Two of them had injured front flippers. Both the Olive ridley turtles died but the Hawksbill turtle will be released into the sea soon.

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No. of members in the committee