Stretching for 590 kilometers, Kerala’s coastline offers a diverse habitat, dotted with rocks, inlets, backwaters and seawalls. Olive Ridley turtles are frequent nesting visitors, while green turtles have been documented nesting on the southern coast near Quilon. Leatherback turtles, though occasionally found stranded, do not nest in this region.
In the 1920s, T.H.Cameron, a district official in Quilon, documented a concerning trend – the decline of leatherback turtles in Kerala. His attempts to acquire a specimen revealed that by 1915, their numbers had dwindled significantly, with catches dropping from around 40 annually at the turn of the century.
Surveys conducted in the 1980s by Satish Bhaskar revealed a harsh reality. Kerala’s coastline, lined with seawalls, offered little suitable nesting ground for these turtles. Additionally, a troubling practice was identified – the consumption of both turtles and their eggs, particularly prevalent in the southern coastal region. While no organised turtle fishery was evident, leatherback meat was consumed, possibly influenced by migratory fishing communities from the Kolachal region.
Fortunately, recent years have seen a positive shift. Local organisations, driven by a growing awareness of the importance of sea turtle conservation, have actively taken up the cause. A notable example is ‘Theeram Prakriti Samrakshana Samiti,’ a group of young fishermen who have formed a dedicated conservation program and organisation. This grassroots initiative reflects the growing understanding and commitment towards protecting these magnificent creatures.
Satish Bhaskar’s 1980 survey for the World Wide Fund (WWF) painted a concerning picture. Kerala’s beaches, marred by human activity, fencing and mining, were deemed unsuitable for sea turtle nesting. This highlighted the ecological challenges these creatures faced.
A survey by Jayakumar and Dileepkumar (2000-2001) revealed nesting sites, primarily near river mouths, and highlighted a complex social aspect. While Christian communities, particularly in the south, were found to consume turtle meat, Muslim communities in the north generally abstained. Interestingly, the role of traditional institutions like the “sea court” in upholding turtle and whale protection was also noted.
M.J. Palot and C.Radhakrishnan’s 2004 survey documented 24 olive Ridley nesting sites near Kannur, Kasargod and Kozhikode, while Krishna Pillai reported olive Ridley nesting near Vizhinjam. Additionally, Bhupathy’s 2007 surveys, supported by local NGOs, revealed turtle nesting activity from September to November, peaking in October.
In 1992, a group of young fishermen in Kolavipalam, led by Surendra Babu, formed the Theeram Prakriti Samrakshana Samiti (TPSS), translating to “Coastal Ecosystem Protection Committee.” This marked a pivotal moment in Kerala’s sea turtle conservation efforts. Their journey began with a realisation – the turtles they encountered and the eggs consumed locally belonged to the same species. This sparked a collective effort to protect these vulnerable creatures.
Starting with just 12 members and relying on personal funds, TPSS members dedicated themselves to nightly beach patrols during nesting season. They created a fenced hatchery to safeguard eggs from predators and poachers. Initially, they funded a night watchman through community donations.
In 1997, the state Forest Department, under the leadership of Ms. Prakriti Srivasatava, recognized TPSS’s dedication. They provided support by hiring some members to patrol the beach during the nesting season, fostering a collaborative approach. This allowed TPSS to pool their wages and further their conservation activities.
TPSS understood the importance of community engagement. They involved students in mangrove reforestation programs and utilised media attention to spread awareness to neighbouring villages. Their efforts inspired fishermen from nearby communities to report turtle nests and even relocate eggs for protection.
The success of TPSS served as an inspiration for other organisations. Naythal, formed in 2001, initiated a hatchery program and covered a significant stretch of beach in Kasargod, releasing thousands of hatchlings. Green Habitat, established in 2002, collaborated with schools and local communities to promote sea turtle conservation through education and awareness programs.
The story of TPSS and other community-driven initiatives in Kerala highlights the power of collective action. Their dedication, coupled with collaboration and community engagement, has played a crucial role in protecting one of Kerala’s most precious natural treasures – sea turtles. Their efforts offer a compelling example of how local communities can become stewards of environmental conservation.
Reference: Sea Turtle Conservancy. (2023, March 1). Sea turtles of India. Retrieved fromhttps://www.seaturtlesofindia.org/about/distribution/kerala/