Syllabus section: Environment and Ecology

Why in News?

The Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has released ‘Marine Mega Fauna Stranding Guidelines’ and ‘National Marine Turtle Action Plan’ recently to create a conservation paradigm for the marine mega fauna and marine turtles.

About:

• The documents were released containing the ways and means to promote the inter-sectoral action for conservation.

• The documents also suggest for improving the coordination amongst the government, civil society and all relevant stakeholders so as to respond to the cases of stranding, injury or mortality of marine mammals.

• It also suggests coordinated efforts for the conservation of marine turtles.

• The documents contain the actions that are required to handle the stranded animals on shore.

• It will also look after the stranded or entangled animals in the sea or on a boat.

• It comprises of the management actions for improved coordination, rehabilitation of degraded habitats, reducing threats to marine species habitats, advance scientific research, enhancing people’s participation and exchange of information on marine mammals & marine turtles.

Status of turtles in India

• Five species of Indian turtles along with their IUCN status are as follows:

Olive Ridley – Vulnerable

Green turtle – Endangered

Loggerhead – Vulnerable

Hawksbill – Critically Endangered

Leather back – Vulnerable

• They are protected in Indian Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, under Schedule I.

• They are also protected under the Biodiversity Conservation and Ganga Rejuvenation programme

Source: News on Air