Three rare turtle species found dead along Balochistan coast

GWADAR: Three rare turtle species have been found dead along coastal areas of Balochistan within a short period, raising concern among conservationists and environmental groups.

According to reports from local fishermen and environmental experts, the dead turtles were discovered over a 20-day period, particularly along Gwadar’s west bay. The species identified among the dead turtles were loggerhead, olive ridley and green turtles, all of which are listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

Initial findings indicated that the turtles likely died after becoming trapped in fishing nets. The incident has prompted concern from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Pakistan, which said the deaths highlight the threats faced by marine wildlife in the region.

Rare and threatened species

Previous research by WWF-Pakistan identified the loggerhead turtle as one of the rarest turtle species found in the area. According to the organisation’s findings, the species has been sighted only 12 times in the past 40 years. Although the IUCN classifies it as threatened globally, it is regarded as nearly extinct in Pakistan at the national level.

Green turtles, which regularly come to selected sandy beaches along Pakistan’s coastline for nesting, also remain under pressure despite conservation work. WWF-Pakistan has been engaged in efforts to protect the species for years, but its population continues to face serious risks.

The olive ridley turtle, once considered the most common nesting turtle along Pakistan’s coast, has not had any recorded nesting activity since 1990. As a deep-sea species, it is especially exposed to the danger of entanglement in fishing gear.

Conservation concerns

WWF-Pakistan launched a deep-sea fishing monitoring programme in 2012 that included training fishermen on how to safely release marine animals caught in nets. According to the organisation, the initiative has helped secure the release of more than 50,000 sea turtles and other marine species back into the sea after accidental capture.

WWF-Pakistan Technical Advisor Muhammad Moazzam Khan described the recent deaths as alarming and said all sea turtle species are facing serious threats.

He stressed the need to increase awareness among fishermen and the wider public about marine conservation and the protection of endangered species.

The deaths are being viewed as a serious setback to conservation efforts being carried out by government bodies and environmental organisations working to protect marine life along Pakistan’s coastline.