Rising cases of dolphin and turtle deaths spark concern

India:  The recent incidents of carcasses of dolphins getting washed up on shore in different places in the state, as also the turtles dying after getting injured by the propellers of the boats, are a matter of concern because it points to the dangers that marine life faces today.

In the last few of weeks, at least six carcasses of dolphins were washed ashore in different places between Kozhikode and Kasaragod. Many turtles were also washed ashore in the similar manner. Similar incidents were reported from other parts of the country too, including Mumbai and Chennai. Experts who keenly study marine life are of the opinion that these are indications of a serious threat to marine life.

In recent times, the noise level in the sea has increased considerably owing to the sound of propellers of vessels with outboard engines and this could be one reason for the death of dolphins and turtles opined J Suresh Babu, assistant fisheries director here, who added that the issue should be studied deeply.

"According to expert studies, the noise pollution in the sea disorients marine mammals like dolphins. This often results in them getting trapped under the boat, thus getting injured by the propellers," he said. Moreover, both turtles and dolphins come to the surface of the sea to breath and this also increases the risk of getting cut by the propellers after they get disoriented. Both turtles and dolphins are highly sensitive to sound like bats, say experts.

(Source: The Times of India)