Tamil Nadu to Establish Marine Elite Force for Olive Ridley Turtle Protection
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Synopsis
The Tamil Nadu Forest Department is forming a Marine Elite Force to protect Olive Ridley turtles after over 1,300 deaths linked to fishing nets. This additional unit aims to strengthen conservation efforts in response to alarming fatalities, particularly in high-risk coastal areas.
Key Takeaways
- New Marine Elite Force to protect Olive Ridley turtles.
- Over 1,308 turtles have died due to fishing nets.
- Additional unit formed to enhance conservation measures.
- Trawl nets banned within five nautical miles of coast.
- Awareness campaigns for sustainable fishing practices.
Chennai, Feb 15 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has announced plans to create a new Marine Elite Force aimed at protecting the vulnerable Olive Ridley turtles from casualties. This initiative arises from alarming reports indicating that over 1,308 Olive Ridley turtles have perished along the Tamil Nadu coastline due to entanglement in fishing nets.
Presently, Tamil Nadu operates two Marine Elite Force units that tackle marine wildlife offenses including poaching, smuggling, and unauthorized fishing, especially in the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere and Palk Bay.
The increase in turtle fatalities has necessitated the formation of an additional unit to bolster conservation efforts.
The predominant reason for these turtle fatalities is the deployment of trawl nets within five nautical miles from the shore, a practice that is prohibited under current regulations.
The most severely impacted regions include the Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, and Chennai coasts.
To improve protection, the Tamil Nadu State Wildlife Board has recommended the establishment of specific turtle congregation sites as turtle conservation reserves.
Additionally, the department will engage volunteers to educate fishermen on sustainable fishing methods.
Authorities will implement restrictions on artificial lighting near beaches, which may disorient hatchlings.
The forest department will ensure regular cleaning of coastal areas. The state government also plans to acquire patrol boats for the Forest Department, enabling independent surveillance alongside the Fisheries Department.
Currently, the government allocates ₹80,000 a month for boat rentals; however, with hiring costs amounting to ₹20,000 per boat, this strategy is considered impractical.
Enforcement measures have already commenced, with 342 fishermen caught illegally fishing within five nautical miles using trawler boats.
Out of these, 208 fishermen have been chargesheeted, and their diesel subsidies worth ₹3.20 lakh have been revoked.
As part of conservation efforts, the forest department has gathered approximately 1 lakh Olive Ridley eggs statewide.
To date, 345 eggs have successfully hatched, with continuous monitoring in progress.
The department is also focusing on safeguarding Green Turtles through telemetry technology, which aids in tracking their movements for enhanced conservation strategies.
The Olive Ridley turtle is recognized as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
These classifications have played a crucial role in reducing the large-scale commercial exploitation of Olive Ridley skins.
