14 more dead turtles recovered from Cox’s Bazar beach

A research team of Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute (BORI) recovered 14 more dead turtles from various points in Cox's Bazar sea beach today (29 January).

In the last 27 days, a total of 98 dead turtles have been recovered from the beach.

Today's 14 dead turtles were recovered from Mangla Para to Najirartek area from 7:15am to 5:15pm, said Mohammad Shimul Bhuiyan, scientific officer at BORI.

The recovered turtles are of Olive Ridley species, added Shimul.

"Recently, some locals informed BORI about dead turtles lying in different areas of the sea beach. Based on this information, a five-member team was formed by BORI to uncover the mystery related to the death of the turtles," Shimul said.

According to Shimul, the scientific team launched the fourth stage of their survey from Mangla Para under Ramu upazila in Cox's Bazar this morning.

"The team conducted their survey as far as Najirartek in Cox's Bazar town and recovered a total of 14 dead turtles this afternoon," Shimul said.

Mentioning that November-March is the breeding season for sea turtles, Shimul said mother turtles come to the shore from deep sea to lay eggs during this time.

"While doing so, many turtles die after getting trapped in fishermen's nets and getting hit by ships. The real reason for the turtles' death will be known after investigation," the scientific officer added.

The officer further said the turtles recovered by them have died in the last one and a half months, not in a day or two.

According to BORI, from January to 20 February last year, a total of 29 dead turtles were recovered.

During this period, three dead dolphins and one dead porpoise also washed ashore.