The hatchery in 2007.
The Kosgoda Turtle hatchery is more or less back to base thanks to the generous contributions of all turtle lovers, the hard work and perseverence of Chande and his band of workers. A bigger and better hatchery has been constructed as well as more water tanks for the hatchlings to be kept in before being released into the sea.
According to Chande who looks after the turtles with a lot of TLC, there seems to be an increase in the number of female turtles beaching to lay their eggs. He says on average, they collect about 4000 eggs per month, which also means the eggs have to be paid for at the rate of 5 rupees (about US$0.05) each.
He depends on the income from tourists who visit the hatchery, but that income is seasonal. There are a few benefactors who drop in occasionally and supplement his income.
With the generous financial support that was given, we were able to get Chande back to his livelihood, with a new fishing net and a fishing boat. This also provides an income to another 15 families who help in the whole process. They are all happy and grateful that they have got even a meager income to live on, rather than depend on charity.
The cordinators of the project are in the process of establishing collaborations with local and overseas researchers focusing on turtle biology to undertake research at the Hasselblad Center. We would welcome any such inquiries.
One enclosure of water tanks has been done (those were completely destroyed); another four tanks have also been done, but they need to be enclosed.
The hatchery where the eggs are buried is getting filled up, due to regular beaching of turtles. One night as many as 10 had come ashore and Chande had been inundated with the eggs. He is hoping to construct another hatchery alongside the existing one.
Chande is also in the process of completing the construction of his restaurant and the shop next to it, which is another means of livelihood for about 10 people. He and his wife Kumudu are very grateful for all the financial help they have received, without which they would not have got anywhere. The money donated is being used for the construction work and also to pay for the eggs. Chande is very hopeful that when the tourist season begins in October he will have an income to continue to pay for the eggs.
The donation for the fishing net has been the greatest help for them because 15 families including his own have been afforded a livelihood. In fact, Chande came to visit on the 2nd of July and while he was with us he received a call from Kosgoda that they had just hauled a big catch — he had tears of joy when he got the news.