Protecting biodiversity of St. Martin’s Island

It is worrying to note that growing tourism and unplanned development have threatened the biodiversity of St. Martin’s Island, popular for the endangered Olive Ridley turtles. Researchers have complained that dumping of garbage including polythene bags on the coast has cast a shadow on the island, already declared an ecologically critical area (ECA). Moreover, packs of stray dogs enter the nestling areas of the turtles for “easy food”.

Human disturbances are among the prime threats jeopardizing the marine turtles. Visitors in their thousands, who stay overnight in the numerous unregulated resorts and hotels, hardly care for the island’s biodiversity by partying on the beach by lighting camp fires, deterring the turtles from approaching their nesting sites. Thirty-five Olive Ridley turtles were found nesting in the island in one night in 1983 but this has reduced to just two or three now. Where have the turtles gone?

The turtles prefer to nest on high grounds not affected by tides but the growing number of hotels and resorts are depriving the endangered species from their traditional nesting grounds. The bright lights from these places are also not favourable for nesting activities of the turtles. Besides, the vegetation on the beach, including the Keya tree that acted like a guide to the turtles to their nesting habitats, have been cut down mercilessly. The trees used to protect the island and the beach against high winds and sea surges, helping in the formation of sand dunes.

It seems that the island has lost its capacity to hold so many tourists. Ever increasing population and unregulated tourism have taken their toll on the resources of the island and on the fragile coral ecosystem that shelters a diverse variety of marine biodiversity. St. Martin’s is getting smaller every year instead of expanding geologically as it should. Cyclones and erosion of coral are responsible. Disappearance of sea turtles does not augur well for the biodiversity and environment. Coral reefs are also vulnerable to disturbing human activities.

Pollution of oil, heavy metal, sewage and chemicals from fertilizer runoff, construction of buildings and hotels, destruction of mangrove, sand dunes and hills are dealing a severe blow to the island’s biodiversity. Besides, loss of habitat and sanctuary for marine life is no less responsible for imperiling biodiversity. Promotion of tourism is needed but not at the cost of endangering biodiversity. The relevant department needs to take concrete measures to protect biodiversity of the island.

 

Protecting biodiversity of St. Martins Island

It is worrying to note that growing tourism and unplanned development have threatened the biodiversity of St. Martins Island, popular for the endangered Olive Ridley turtles. Researchers have complained that dumping of garbage including polythene bags on the coast has cast a shadow on the island, already declared an ecologically critical area (ECA). Moreover, packs of stray dogs enter the nestling areas of the turtles for easy food. Human disturbances are among the prime threats jeopardizing the marine turtles. Visitors in their thousands, who stay overnight in the numerous unregulated resorts and hotels, hardly care for the islands biodiversity by partying on the beach by lighting camp fires, deterring the turtles from approaching their nesting sites. Thirty-five Olive Ridley turtles were found nesting in the island in one night in 1983 but this has reduced to just two or three now. Where have the turtles gone? The turtles prefer to nest on high grounds not affected by tides but the growing number of hotels and resorts are depriving the endangered species from their traditional nesting grounds. The bright lights from these places are also not favourable for nesting activities of the turtles. Besides, the vegetation on the beach, including the Keya tree that acted like a guide to the turtles to their nesting habitats, have been cut down mercilessly. The trees used to protect the island and the beach against high winds and sea surges, helping in the formation of sand dunes. It seems that the island has lost its capacity to hold so many tourists. Ever increasing population and unregulated tourism have taken their toll on the resources of the island and on the fragile coral ecosystem that shelters a diverse variety of marine biodiversity. St. Martins is getting smaller every year instead of expanding geologically as it should. Cyclones and erosion of coral are responsible. Disappearance of sea turtles does not augur well for the biodiversity and environment. Coral reefs are also vulnerable to disturbing human activities. Pollution of oil, heavy metal, sewage and chemicals from fertilizer runoff, construction of buildings and hotels, destruction of mangrove, sand dunes and hills are dealing a severe blow to the islands biodiversity. Besides, loss of habitat and sanctuary for marine life is no less responsible for imperiling biodiversity. Promotion of tourism is needed but not at the cost of endangering biodiversity. The relevant department needs to take concrete measures to protect biodiversity of the island.