in Figure-1 is the identification of sources of mortality on a particular beach. Sometimes these are obvious, but there may often also be a need for experiments and quantification. An example of an intelligent investigation in this category is the work of von Mutius (2000). Studying olive ridleys at La Flor, Nicaragua, she found that in double clutches (i.e. one nest laid on top of and disturbing a previous nest) the mortality was 63.6 % compared to 41.3% in single clutches. The idea that hatch rates of ridleys may be better when nest density is less has been around for some time (Cornelius & Robinson 1982). In India, it has been noted that at Rushikulya, a beach with relatively sparse arribada nesting, hatch rates (74.3%) are much higher than those at the more densely packed Gahirmatha (Pandav 2001). For step 1 (Figure-1 ), data specific to particular circumstances are needed, but application to Orissa of step 1 should not be too hard.

Step 2, the reduction of mortality should also be feasible. There may be difficulties, for instance when losses result from unpredictable storms. Nevertheless, doubtless there are ways to save at least some of the eggs and hatchlings that are likely to suffer mortality on arribada beaches. The possibility that eggs that do not hatch might end up in some important part of the food chain should be kept in mind.

Step 3 might be more of a challenge, requiring ingenuity and creativity to get eggs from remote locations to markets. Pickling or other preservatives could be tried, or locally making eggs into some kind of cake or item that would last longer. Powdered egg might be considered. Doubtless people will laugh at such suggestions. These are not advocated as the best or even necessarily feasible methods, but offered simply to indicate that problems of transport could probably be solved by entertaining a variety of ideas.