AP Foresters Flag Threat to Marine Species From Trawlers

Vijayawada: Foresters have flagged the increasing threat to marine species such as whales and Olive Ridley turtles from deep-sea fishing trawlers off the Andhra Pradesh coast.

Recently, a Bryde’s whale and two whale shark babies were washed ashore dead on the Anakapalli and Visakhapatnam coastline. Foresters who examined them said they may have been attacked by fishing boats in the deep sea, causing serious injury and death.

Similarly, around 113 Olive Ridley turtles were found dead near Pulicat Lake. They are suspected to have been caught in nets or hit by trawlers from Tamil Nadu that had entered AP waters illegally.

AP Forest officials have written to the Fisheries Commission in Tamil Nadu to initiate necessary measures to prevent TN boats from entering AP waters. They express that they are afraid that the Olive Ridley turtles will be harmed, especially during the breeding season. In this regard, they talked about a device called a turtle excluder that can be attached to turtle nets. It makes it easier for turtles caught in the net to escape onto their backs into the sea without falling into the trap and perishing.

AP’s fisheries and forest authorities have issued instructions to fishing trawler operators and fishermen to ensure the safety of marine life by using turtle excluders and avoiding certain areas so that fish can be protected and preserved.

Officials have told marine fish exporters that the United States and other countries will reject their exports unless they receive certification from organizations regarding details of offshore fishing locations and the use of safety devices.

Forest officials are holding workshops to sensitize stakeholders across the state to reduce marine mortality, especially of endangered marine megafauna, including whales, sharks and turtles, especially during the breeding, nesting and migration season between December 2025 and May 2026.

Authorities are strengthening surveillance, promoting the use of turtle exclusion devices, conducting awareness programs among fishing communities to minimize accidental catches and ensure effective conservation of marine biodiversity along the AP coast.

Shanti Priya Pande, additional chief conservator of forests (Wildlife), said: “We are taking a number of measures to sensitize fishing trawler operators and fishermen on the need to protect and preserve marine species. We are also trying to coordinate with all stakeholders to increase surveillance in this regard.”