In a sad turn of events, dozens of turtles were found trapped or dead under plastic waste along the shore of one of the world’s longest natural beaches in Bangladesh. By Amitha Ameen
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While we have been focusing on curbing the Coronavirus pandemic, another deadly plague has been literally choking our wildlife. At least 20 Olive Ridley turtles had been found dead along the shore strip, entangled in plastic waste that included fishing nets, plastic bottles, and buoys.
They were spotted by beach cleanup charity Plastic Bank Bangladesh’s volunteers who spotted dozens of Olive Ridley turtles wrapped in more than 50 tonnes of waste spread over the 10-kilometre beach strip.
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According to India Times, a Bangladesh Forestry spokesperson in a statement said that the locals in the area have been rushing to the beach since morning to rescue the wounded turtles. “We have buried the dead ones and are trying to release the rescued turtles back to sea.”
Plastic has long been an environmental disaster causing distress to and killing hundreds of wildlife every year. While many cities conduct their own beach drive and cleanups, it does not seem to be enough to rescue these voiceless creatures who mistake these plastic bits for food and get choked instead.
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Olive Ridley turtles, one of the most spectacular sea turtles commonly found around the globe, have seen a steady and rapid decline in numbers due to an alarming increase in ocean pollution levels. The turtles are now considered vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List.
Related: This Plastic-Free July, Dia Mirza Urges You To Travel Consciously In The Post-Corona World
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