The sea.. The picture that comes to mind is that of a fish eagle soaring…and suddenly swooping down suddenly to get its much deserved prey! Then is a sudden storm of sea turtles coming on the shore to lay their eggs… Seas are indeed wonderful and intricate!
But, side by side, it is also amongst the most polluted and vulnerable places on Earth. Let me set you a couple of examples to display their intrigue and fragility.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands-One of the sea turtle breeding hotspots in India! 8 different kinds of sea turtle, including the gentle giant, the GIANT LEATHERBACK TURTLE, the olive ridley and the green sea turtle come here! These animals are very very sensitive. Once a year or so, millions of these turtles come on to the beach late at night to lay their eggs and then conveniently forget about it! The risk to them is great on this one night because sea turtles, unlike others, cannot take their heads into the shell. Thus, they fall prey to stray dogs, wolves, foxes, etc. which strangle them.
About 45-60 days later, the adorable baby turtles hatch and head for the sea. Ever wondered how they know where the sea is??? It is really mesmerizing! If you have ever noticed, particularly at night, the surface of the sea glimmers. The turtle is guided by this light and heads towards the sea. Even if you place a candle there, it will get misguided and walk inland-which will kill it. There have been instances where careless campers leave the campfire on. The poor turtle walks straight into its death.
Now, the latest problem these mysterious animals face is a port being built at Dhamra, Orissa, by the Tatas. Dhamra is a very important breeding ground for these fragile animals. Please log on to http://www.greenpeace.org/india/turtles/why-save-turtles and protest against this, for the survival of the turtle depends on you and me-the common men.
Seas also sustain mangroves… A treasure trove of life! I could write a separate article on this ecosystem which is really OUT OF THIS WORLD!!!!!!!!!!
Unfortunately, mindless activities on our part like the irresponsible disposal of plastic causes the seas to choke. You never know when a sea turtle or some other animal may be eating up a plastic bag, mistaking it for a jelly fish! And they really do not deserve this kind of treatment! Lets wake up before it is too late!
But, side by side, it is also amongst the most polluted and vulnerable places on Earth. Let me set you a couple of examples to display their intrigue and fragility.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands-One of the sea turtle breeding hotspots in India! 8 different kinds of sea turtle, including the gentle giant, the GIANT LEATHERBACK TURTLE, the olive ridley and the green sea turtle come here! These animals are very very sensitive. Once a year or so, millions of these turtles come on to the beach late at night to lay their eggs and then conveniently forget about it! The risk to them is great on this one night because sea turtles, unlike others, cannot take their heads into the shell. Thus, they fall prey to stray dogs, wolves, foxes, etc. which strangle them.
About 45-60 days later, the adorable baby turtles hatch and head for the sea. Ever wondered how they know where the sea is??? It is really mesmerizing! If you have ever noticed, particularly at night, the surface of the sea glimmers. The turtle is guided by this light and heads towards the sea. Even if you place a candle there, it will get misguided and walk inland-which will kill it. There have been instances where careless campers leave the campfire on. The poor turtle walks straight into its death.
Now, the latest problem these mysterious animals face is a port being built at Dhamra, Orissa, by the Tatas. Dhamra is a very important breeding ground for these fragile animals. Please log on to http://www.greenpeace.org/india/turtles/why-save-turtles and protest against this, for the survival of the turtle depends on you and me-the common men.
Seas also sustain mangroves… A treasure trove of life! I could write a separate article on this ecosystem which is really OUT OF THIS WORLD!!!!!!!!!!
Unfortunately, mindless activities on our part like the irresponsible disposal of plastic causes the seas to choke. You never know when a sea turtle or some other animal may be eating up a plastic bag, mistaking it for a jelly fish! And they really do not deserve this kind of treatment! Lets wake up before it is too late!
