Device to save turtles rejected

Visakhapatnam: Though conservation activists and government officials have been trying to promote Turtle Excluder Devices to protect the endangered sea turtles, the fishing community is opposing the move fearing repercussions on their livelihood. Vizag coast, between RK Beach and Bheemili beaches is a popular nesting place of Olive Ridley turtles who visit every year between November and February. Every year innumerable dead turtles are washed ashore for unknown reasons. We suggest the device be redesigned according to our needs.” Experts say that larger sea turtles, primarily large loggerheads and leather-backs are too large to escape the hatches installed in most devices.