[ad_1]
The mass release of baby turtles the day before the opening of an international marine conservation event in Bali has concerned the environmentalists who say the hatchlings were not treated with due care.
One thousand hatchling olive ridley sea turtles, which are classified as vulnerable, were released by scores of tourists, company representatives and volunteers from local conservation groups on Kuta Beach on Sunday morning.
Upon release, most of the hatchlings did not show their characteristic behavior of scampering towards the waves, and remained motionless on the beach. Participants were then encouraged to pick up the turtles and place them in the sea.
One participant, who did not want to be named, said the baby turtles were kept in buckets filled with water and made to wait for the VIPs arrived.
"By the time that happened, it was already past 8am and the tide was out. Each turtle was able to become one of the best people in the world.
She added that some participants were playing with the turtles before releasing them. "By the time they were released on the beach, they were not really moving. It was so sad to watch, "she said.
"Eventually the event organizer asked everyone to carry them to the water. People and children were picking them up and taking selfies with them. When in the water, some were too tired to swim. Many people have been holding onto them for more photos. It was heartbreaking. "
Dr. Uzair Rusli, lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu and Research Affiliate at the Sea Turtle Research Unit (SEATRU) of the Institute Oceanography and Environment, faulted procedure for the release.
Young sea turtles should not be released during the day, they are likely to fall victim to predators, he said. And they should not be handled. Sunblock, moisturizer, and the natural oils on the face of a human body.
Richard Reina, Associate Professor of Ecophysiology at Monash University and an expert on marine animals, said the usual practice for keeping turtles before release.
"It is not unusual if they [the turtles] initially look a bit lethargic, as it takes a few minutes to become active after being held in the dark. But they should start enthusiastically and swim vigorously when they reach the water, "he told Eco-Business.
The turtle release came ahead of Indonesia's annual Our Ocean Conference (OOC), which conventions governments, businesses and civic society groups from all over the world on ocean conservation. Kuta Beach, one of the world's most famous seaside tourist destinations.
The release was organized by local non-government organizations in the Bali Sea Turtle Society and the Turtle Conservation and Education Center in Serangan, and supported by corporations including Coca-Cola, Unilever, and Nestle.
Eco-Business has approached the organizations for how, but was referred to OOC. OOC told Eco-Business that it was not part of the event.
The event was attended by Indonesia 's Foreign Affairs Minister, Retno Marsudi, and Minister of Marine Affairs & Fisheries, Susi Pudjiastuti, and Miss Earth Indonesia, Michelle Alriani.
Source link
