Ocean Sentry
(From iar.org.uk)- The Indian Forest and Wildlife Department has directed all officials of the coastal areas of the city of Kendrapara to submit a detailed report on the catching and selling of jellyfish. Jellyfish, which are the food of the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles and other protected marine species, are being caught by fisherman in the area due to the depletion of other fish species in the sea.
Dr Chandrasekhar Kar, a turtle biologist and wildlife research officer, said: “Jellyfish are not protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, or by the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.While it is also difficult, on our part, to check the catching of jellyfishes.”
However, the species is under threat in India due to the widespread practice of commercial trawling, when turtles are often caught in nets being dragged behind fishermen’s boats.
