Surge of dead turtles on Cox’s Bazar beach during breeding season

During the breeding season of sea turtles, the Cox's Bazar beach and surrounding coastal areas are witnessing a steady stream of dead turtles.

This year, the number of deaths is alarmingly higher compared to the previous year.

According to data from the Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute (BORI), 68 dead turtles washed ashore along the Cox's Bazar coastline in just two days (Saturday and Sunday).

Earlier, between 4 January and 22 January, another 14 dead turtles were found at various points. This brings the total to 84 dead turtles in the past 24 days.

In contrast, during the same period last year (1 January to 20 February 2024), 29 dead turtles were reported along the Cox's Bazar coastline, and three dead dolphins and one dead porpoise were also found during that time.

A dead turtle found washed ashore on Cox's Bazar beach. Photo: TBS

On Sunday afternoon, Mohammad Shimul Bhuiyan, a scientific officer at the BORI, said that 84 dead turtles had washed ashore over 24 days, including 68 in the past two days.

He said, "Recently, locals reported sightings of dead turtles in various areas of Cox's Bazar beach. Based on this information, a BORI research team began inspecting different parts of the beach on Saturday morning. The team started their survey at Sabrang Zero Point in Teknaf upazila. On the first day, Saturday, they recovered 12 dead turtles between Sabrang Zero Point and Ruppoti in Ukhia upazila. On the second day, Sunday, they recovered 49 dead turtles between Ruppoti and Sonar Para and another 7 turtles between Pechar Dwip and Himchhari."

The BORI scientific officer said, "All the recovered dead turtles belong to the Olive Ridley species. Among them are both male and female turtles. Some of the turtles had died 1–2 days ago, others 7 days ago, and some as long as 10–15 days or more. A few were so decomposed that only their skeletons remained."

According to information from the BORI, the following incidents of dead turtles washing ashore were recorded on 4 January one dead turtle at Sonarpara Beach, 5 January 10 dead turtles in various areas along the Cox's Bazar coastline, 10 January one dead turtle at Dariyanagar Beach, 18 January two dead turtles at Sonarpara Beach and one at Inani Beach, 22 January one dead turtle at Saint Martin's Island Beach.

Although the exact cause of death is yet to be confirmed, Scientific Officer Mohammad Shimul Bhuiyan, citing local reports, said, "November to March is the breeding season for sea turtles. During this time, turtles especially come to the shore to lay eggs. The turtles might have died after getting caught in fishermen's nets, being hit by large vessels navigating the sea, or being attacked by dogs while laying eggs on the shore. However, the exact cause of death can only be determined after further investigation."

He also mentioned that the dead turtles were buried in sand near the recovery sites.

According to data from BORI, at least 29 dead turtles were found along the Cox's Bazar coastline, including Sonadia, Himchhari, Sonarpara, Inani, and Teknaf beaches, between 1 January and 20 February 2024. During this period, three dead dolphins and one dead porpoise also washed ashore.

The nature and environment organisation Nature Conservation Management (NACOM) said that sea turtles are currently facing critical threats. A survey conducted by the organisation in 2003, a decade ago, revealed that mother turtles used to come to lay eggs at 52 points along the Cox's Bazar coastline.

At that time, these locations were considered extremely safe for mother turtles.

The organisation's Deputy Project Director Dr Shafiqul Rahman said that mother turtles typically begin laying eggs in November, a process that continues until April or May. They come to deserted beaches at night, dig holes, and lay their eggs. Usually, a mother turtle lays up to 30 eggs. After laying the eggs, the turtle covers them with soil, sand, or other organic materials and then returns to the sea.

The eggs hatch naturally within 60 to 70 days, and the hatchlings emerge from the nest and make their way back to the sea.

Commenting that this has been a natural process, Shafiqul Rahman said, "Ten years ago, mother turtles came to lay eggs at 52 points, but now the number has decreased to 34 points. From Sonadia in Maheshkhali to Saint Martin's Island, these turtles used to lay their eggs in the deserted areas of the beach. However, the environment for them to return to the deep sea after laying eggs seems to no longer exist. Mother turtles are dying regularly while coming to lay eggs."

Abdul Kayyum, natural resource management and climate change manager at Nature Conservation Management (NACOM), said, "Turtles come to deserted beaches to lay eggs. For various reasons, the places where they lay eggs have become increasingly hazardous. Along with the development of tourism, unplanned infrastructure development, beach lighting, the disposal of abandoned fishing nets in the sea, diving, sports, walking on the beach during the egg-laying season, etc, have all disrupted the environment necessary for turtles to lay eggs. The number of egg-laying sites for turtles is steadily decreasing." 

He further said that the environment for mother turtles to come ashore from the sea to lay eggs is also being ruined by illegal fishing nets buried on the beach. Mother turtles are also dying after getting trapped in trawl nets in the deep sea. Even when turtles come to the beach to lay eggs, their eggs cannot be protected. Dogs are eating the eggs. As soon as a mother turtle attempts to lay eggs, organised groups of dogs pounce on her. As a result, mother turtles are in grave danger.

Rashedul Majid, CEO of the environmental volunteer organisation Environment People, said, "Every year, during the breeding season, dead turtles are found. These turtles have marks of injuries on their bodies. When they get caught in fishing nets buried in the sea, fishermen kill them by beating them with sticks or stabbing them with sharp weapons before throwing them back into the sea. When the turtles are washed ashore by the tide, the dogs eat them. It is essential to raise awareness among fishermen, create a safe environment for egg-laying sites, and prevent dogs from roaming the beach. Otherwise, it will not be possible to protect the turtles."