Turtles prefer Agonda beach, but poor nesting this season (original) (raw)

PANAJI:

Mother turtles

appear to be finding quieter spots on the otherwise busy

Agonda beach

more convenient than other beaches, as four have turned up for nesting within a couple of months.
Two beaches in north Goa, Morjim and Mandrem in Pernem taluka have not recorded any arrivals this season, as both have become crowded with shacks and beach beds.

The other two beaches in south Goa, Agonda and Galgibaga in Canacona taluka appear to have recorded better footfalls of Olive Ridley turtles this season.
The four beaches have been designated as turtle nesting sites under CRZ 2011, but noisy tourism activities, including shacks and beach beds have kept away the flippered visitors out their turf.
The season has been poor so far, as only four turtles have landed at Agonda and one at Galgibaga.
Goa has modest

turtle conservation programme

and

forest department guards

and volunteers keep vigil at the turtle nesting sites to keep away poachers at bay. Turtle eggs are a delicacy and some even consume them raw.