STUDY SAYS LIGHTING ON THE BEACHES THE CAUSE OF NON LAYING OF EGGS ON THE BEACH BY TURTLES

PANJIM: While around a dozen turtle nests have already been reported in Agonda and Galgibaga beaches this season, only two nests were laid on Mandrem beach. A recent study refutes that beach lighting is the reason, saying instead, that fishing activity and illumination from trawlers at night may be largely responsible for keeping turtles away from Morjim beach.

The illumination on the shore, especially from beach shacks and tourism activity, has also come under flak for causing the diversion of these flippered visitors from Morjim beach in recent years. Hatchlings emerging from their eggs get disoriented by the brightness and crawl further inland instead of the sea.

"But there is no high mast lighting on this beach stretch and the measured intensity of the lighting does not violate the limits," zoologist Manoj Borkar, who conducted the study, said.

Borkar, who is also a member of the Goa state wildlife advisory board, volunteered to assess the possible impact of lighting on turtle nesting on a 7.5-km stretch from Morjim to Mandrem, said forest department sources.

Fishing activity by mechanized trawlers is fairly intense in the off-shore region of Morjim. "Several trawlers anchor at the Chapora jetty, opposite the beach upon their return from sea," Borkar said. Intensive fishing in the off-shore region, navigational disturbance from mechanized trawlers and country boats may be deterrents to turtles crawling closer to shore.

Range forest officer Amar Heblekar said trawlers moving around light up the horizon. However, he cautioned, "A study is needed to prove that illumination alone is responsible for poor nesting in Morjim."

Borkar says the altered beach topology could be another deterrent. "The sandy stretches seem to have reduced in recent years," says Heblekar.

Tourism activity, too, is being carried out too close to the turtle habitat. "Beach beds are set up in complete violation of the norms laid down by statutory authorities. The number of shacks should also be regulated," Borkar said.

Stating that a fresh turtle nest was laid barely 30 metres from the nearest shack, Borkar pointed out the need to regulate the density of fishing trawlers on the stretch.

Heblekar agreed, saying turtles are often injured by the movement of trawlers and fishing activities. "During the last three years, we rescued five injured turtles. This year, within two months, we found two dead turtles washed ashore," he said.