Daijiworld Media Network – Canacona

Canacona, May 24: In what could spell disappointment for marine conservationists and nature enthusiasts, the recent spell of unseasonal heavy rainfall has jeopardised the hatching process of olive ridley turtle eggs at the Agonda turtle nursery in South Goa.

Speaking to Daijiworld, South marine range forest officer Rajesh Naik expressed concern over the viability of 219 eggs yet to hatch from three turtle pits. “Warm and sunny weather is vital for proper incubation. Continuous rainfall has disrupted that balance, putting the fate of these eggs in doubt,” Naik said.

The Agonda nesting site recorded a total of 143 olive ridley pits this season, of which only three remain to hatch. In contrast, the Galgibaga hatchery has already seen successful hatching, with 3,584 hatchlings released from 4,603 eggs laid. Around 681 eggs, however, were spoiled during the process.

At Agonda, 6,104 hatchlings have been released into the sea from 14,483 eggs, showcasing the region's commitment to marine life conservation. However, the adverse weather poses a new challenge in maintaining these numbers.

Meanwhile, in North Goa, the nesting season at Morjim and Mandrem has nearly concluded. Only one nest in Morjim remains, and officials are closely monitoring it as the incubation period draws to a close. The full impact of the erratic weather on this final nest will become evident in the coming days.

Environmentalists are urging for enhanced protective measures and contingency planning to counter the effects of unpredictable weather, ensuring Goa's turtle conservation efforts do not go in vain.