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Notes on the Impact of the Tsunami on Sea Turtles
Dear World Turtle Trust:
Greetings.
The impact of Tsunami is worst than what appears in the media and media sometime does not give complete picture of the situation, maybe due to political and other constraints. Yes, indeed Mr. Tripathy is a close friend of mine, although not any blood relation, but is from the same place from where I belong to. The sad news that, although many media revealed about his safe life and recovered from the island, that is not true and still we are searching for him in the island and although more than two week, no confirm news about him.
To specifically answer your questions:
Where is the worst damage?
The worst damage has happen in the Car Nicobar and great Nicobar (great Nicobar is largest nesting ground of leatherback turtle in south and south east asia) and along the mainland, the Nagapatinnam and some part of Pondicherry. These area are potential habitat for olive ridley sea turtle nesting.
What species of sea turtles have suffered the most (olive ridley?)
We do not know anything about this yet, as administration is still not allowing people to access to damaged area. Specially for sure is not but their habitat is devastated and going to have severe consequences. As stated, leatherback nesting site will have severe impact due to this. But as of now we do not have any ground truthing data.
What is needed to rebuild the conservation efforts?
At the moment, it is difficult to predict/suggestion any measures until a impact study is done.
How will scientists determine impact on sea turtle populations?
We are in the process of dialogue with couple of agencies for doing a rapid survey of the impact of Tsunami on the offshore and onshore habitats of sea turtles in Andaman and Nicobar islands.
How can people here in the US help?
For Tsunami affected people, they can donate to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund, New Delhi - 110001, India. For other kind of help for environmental restoration, there are couple of agencies, you can check the site http://www.seaturtle.org for more information.
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WTT's Public Service Announcements WTT's Turtle Ambassador Program Pictures from the Honu Festival at Turtle Bay Resort, June 2005 (A Benefit for WTT) Pictures from Sea Turtle Independence Day at the Mauna Lani Bay Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii, July 4, 2005 World Turtle Trust Annual Report for 2004 Notes from Early 2005 on the Impact of the Indian Ocean Tsuami on Sea Turtles | |||||||||
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