Augusto Rodrigues
AGONDA: Joy was tinged with scepticism on Wednesday morning as the first batch of 50 Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings was released into the sea at Agonda Beach. While foreign tourists gathered to witness the moment, turtle enthusiasts voiced concerns over a noticeable decline in the success rate of hatchling releases in recent years.
The hatchling release, which began at 1.30 am and concluded an hour later, was met with concern by conservationists who are questioning the effectiveness of current conservation methods.
“Based on the data from the Forest Department, it appears that more eggs are not hatching or are found dead, which could indicate several factors,” said Aaron Victor Fernandes, a conservationist and reptile enthusiast. “Changes in weather conditions at both the nesting and relocated sites could have a significant impact on the hatchling success rate. Temperature and humidity are critical factors in the
development of the eggs, and if relocated to an unfamiliar site, it could jeopardize the hatchlings' survival.”
Fernandes also noted that sand compaction at nesting sites could prevent hatchlings from emerging, leaving them trapped below the surface.
Turtle guard Ankush Karapurkar, explained the nesting process: “Once the turtle lays its eggs, we wait about 50-55 days. When we see the sand sinking in, we know it’s time for the hatchlings to emerge.” At 1.31 am, the first two hatchlings made their way out of the pit, followed by the rest. They were then placed in a container filled with sand for observation.
“We keep them for about an hour. Once they turn from black to white, we know it’s time to release them,” Karapurkar said. “Fifteen eggs are still waiting to hatch, and we will continue monitoring them, along with other nests.”
So far, the Forest Department has recorded 85 pits in Agonda, with 8,043 eggs laid. The nesting sites in Agonda also include eggs from Palolem, Cabo de Rama, and Cola Beach. Additionally, 20 nests have been reported at Galgibaga Beach, with 2,361 eggs, including eggs from nearby beaches such as Rajbag, Patnem, and Talpona.
Fernandes emphasized that when eggs are relocated, it is crucial to maintain the correct orientation. “If the eggs are moved from their original nesting site, the embryos must be positioned the same way. If not, they could die.” Fernandes, who works with both government and non-government groups on turtle conservation, stressed the importance of proper handling.
The turtle nesting site at Agonda Beach had made headlines in January 2025 when O Heraldo highlighted a letter from the Range Forest Officer to the police highlighted concerns over unauthorised activity near the nesting area.