The hatchlings of the sea turtles that laid eggs at the Morjim beach began their ocean journey in the absence of Forest Department authorities on Sunday morning. Few of the hatchlings have successfully made it into the ocean without any problem. Since there were no authorities present during the process, the exact record is still not known.
On Sunday morning, a beautiful sight of healthy baby turtles beginning their journey in the ocean was seen at the Morjim beach near the turtle nesting site. With 112 nests in North Goa and 100 nests in Canacona, the current nesting season is setting a huge record for the conservation of Olive Ridley turtles in Goa, which has been going on for almost three decades. The flippered visitors have been arriving in unusual numbers at Morjim Beach and other North Goa beaches during the previous two days in a flurry of nesting activities.
As Goa records the highest turtle egg count this year, it is very important for the concerned Forest Department authorities to make sure to keep a record of the statistical observation and that the turtles and the hatchlings are unharmed. This time the hatchlings have made their journey all the way to the ocean without anyone’s help, neither their mother nor the government authorities. The absence of Forest Department officials during the hatchling going into the ocean has raised the eyebrows of the public.
As the hatchlings are fully ready to commence their voyage into the vast ocean, their trip from the nest to the water is very crucial. They are prone to numerous dangers. Crows and seagulls are common predators that prey on these hatchlings. The presence of the officials is important to keep a record of the numbers and to make sure that all the hatchlings are protected from predators like birds.
