The hatchery of the EcoFish-2 project is working on the conservation and successful release of sea turtle eggs in Kutubdia.

The integrity of marine biodiversity is extremely important in the conservation of sea turtles along with other megafauna. As part of conservation efforts, a hatchery has been established in the coastal area adjacent to the sea beach in Kutubdia, Cox's Bazar, under the Enhanced Coastal Fisheries in Bangladesh (EcoFish-2) activity of USAID, initiated by WorldFish Bangladesh.

It is learned that through local volunteers, 467 eggs of Olive Ridley turtles have been collected from the coastal area and preserved in the hatchery. As part of this process, locals have been made aware and informed about marine biodiversity, conservation of megafauna, preservation of marine environment, and its sustainability through various meetings and training sessions. So far, 149 hatchlings have been successfully released into the sea from the collected eggs.

Sultan Mahmud, Research Associate at EcoFish, stated, "The EcoFish-2 initiative, supported by USAID and WorldFish Bangladesh, has collected and conserved eggs using scientific methods to protect them from being destroyed by predators like dogs, foxes, and human egg collectors in the coastal areas of Kutubdia."

Dr. Sharif Uddin, Scientist at EcoFish, said, "Conservation of sea turtles in Kutubdia helps keep the sea clean by consuming jellyfish, maintaining the balance of fish stocks, and preserving marine food chains. Everyone should be aware of the conservation of sea turtles."

Professor Md. Nazrul Islam, Chairman of Bangladesh Environmental Movement (BAPA), said, "Despite encountering various challenges, sea turtle populations are decreasing significantly worldwide. During egg laying, female turtles come to the island. They choose very secluded places for egg laying, and if they see any adverse conditions there, they immediately stop laying eggs and return to the sea. May 23 is celebrated as 'World Turtle Day'."

Najmus Sakib, Marine and Fisheries Officer at Kutubdia Marine and Fisheries, said, "If the general public becomes aware, many more sea turtle eggs can be safely taken to the sea in coastal areas. He praised the initiative of USAID's Enhanced Coastal Fisheries in Bangladesh (EcoFish-2) activity and WorldFish Bangladesh for their successful efforts in the conservation and successful release of sea turtle eggs in Kutubdia."