Despite Salcete officially not having any turtle nesting site, the taluka tops the state, with the highest number of cases of marine animals getting stranded reported on beaches in the taluka. A four-month sample survey carried out by Terra Conscious as part of the marine wildlife stranding network: ocean watch Goa’ has found a total of 40 stranding incidents of which 22 animals were rescued while 18 died. According to the survey, seven humpback dolphins, six Olive Ridley turtles, a spinner dolphin, finless porpoise, false killer whale, hawksbill turtle and a green sea turtle died after getting stranded. Terra Conscious managed to rescue around 20 Olive Ridley turtles and a striped dolphin. The survey reveals that superficial injuries were found on many of the stranded and dead animals. These injuries were caused due to the animals getting entangled in fishing nets, and anthropogenic activities, says the survey. The marine species were found stranded on the beaches in both the districts with 17 cases. reported in North Goa and 23 in South Goa. A total of 11 cases were reported on various beaches in Salcete while two cases were reported at Palolem beach. One carcass each was recovered from the Japanese beach at Vasco and Velsao beach. Four incidents of marine animals getting stranded or dying have occurred on the Majorda beach, while the Betalbatim and Varca beaches were each witness to two such incidents and one stranding incident was reported on Cavelossim beach. Three such cases were reported on the Arrosim beach. In North Goa, Anjuna beach was witness to two stranding incidents. Such incidents were also reported on Morjim, Arambol, Baga and Ashwem beaches. Sources in the forest department, requesting anonymity, said that that matter is of great concern and the department will be writing to the fisheries department to find a solution to the alarming number of cases wherein the marine species have got entangled in fishing nets, resulting in injuries or even death. The official said turtles are the most vulnerable, as the female turtles tend to return to the place where the eggs are hatched and only around 1 per cent of the total hatchlings survive. The official said the presence of a sizable number of Olive Ridley turtles, which have been found stranded or killed along the coast of Salcete indicates that there could be a possibility of turtle nesting site in the taluka which may have gone unreported. The official said that Terra Conscious has associated itself with lifeguards to rescue a large number of stranded animals thus reducing the fatalities. He, however, said that concrete steps need to be taken by the fisheries department to protect marine life. Attempts to contact director of fisheries Vinesh Arlekar for his comments proved futile till the time of going to the press.