How is an elite marine force going to protect Chennai’s turtle beaches?

Chennai, Aug 21 (NationPress) The coastline of Chennai is poised to receive a significant boost in protection with the establishment of a dedicated marine force aimed at safeguarding turtle nesting beaches and vulnerable marine habitats.

Armed with vessels, monitoring technology, and collaborative action teams, this elite unit will target poachers, polluters, and illegal trawlers operating within five nautical miles of the coastline.

This initiative comes at a crucial time when marine ecosystems are increasingly threatened by rampant fishing, pollution, and habitat degradation.

As stated by State Forest Secretary Supriya Sahu, the force will enhance real-time responses to cases involving stranded, injured, or deceased marine animals. It will also ramp up patrolling efforts during the olive ridley turtle nesting and hatching period, which spans from November to April.

“This initiative is founded on robust inter-departmental cooperation, uniting the coastal security group, Indian Coast Guard, fisheries department, and fishermen associations to guarantee effective enforcement,” Sahu noted.

The model combines marine protection with community involvement, she added.

The state government has allocated Rs 96 lakh for the initial year of the force’s operations. Of this amount, Rs 20 lakh will be utilized for acquiring deep-sea vessels, while Rs 19.80 lakh is designated for salaries of marine watchers and boat drivers. Additionally, Rs 16.20 lakh is earmarked for advanced marine equipment and surveillance tools, and Rs 36 lakh will cover fuel costs—underscoring the extensive patrolling planned along the coast.

The force will function through two specialized teams, each comprising marine watchers and drivers, with approximately a dozen personnel assigned to each vessel.

The forest department’s current vessel will undergo modernization, and a new boat will soon be introduced to bolster operations.

Officials anticipate that the improved patrolling will significantly reduce turtle fatalities, discourage poaching, and mitigate harmful trawling practices.

This unit will also act as a deterrent against other detrimental activities threatening fragile coastal ecosystems. Furthermore, organized data collection by the teams will facilitate research and long-term conservation strategies.

Once fully operational, the specialized marine force is expected to deliver meaningful advancements in marine protection along the Chennai coastline, forming a more robust barrier for at-risk habitats and the endangered olive ridley turtles.