Has Tamil Nadu Launched an Rs 84-lakh Project to Track Olive Ridley Turtles?

Chennai, Aug 30 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu government has allocated Rs 84 lakh for a two-year initiative focused on tracking the detailed movements of Olive Ridley turtles along the state's coastline. This project aims to enhance conservation efforts and minimize turtle mortality rates.

Scheduled to run from 2025 to 2027, the initiative will utilize state-of-the-art telemetry technology to observe turtle behavior, nesting habits, and their interactions with fishing practices.

This decision comes in response to the alarming discovery of hundreds of Olive Ridley turtles washed ashore dead along the northern Tamil Nadu coast between December 2024 and March 2025, many believed to have died after becoming entangled in fishing nets.

As per a government order issued by Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Environment, Climate Change, and Forests, 20 Olive Ridley turtles will be equipped with satellite transmitters at critical nesting locations, including the Chennai coast and the Cauvery Delta.

These tags will enable researchers to track the turtles' near-shore activities during the nesting season from November to April.

Moreover, 10,000 flipper tags will be used to mark individual turtles, facilitating long-term observation of nesting fidelity and migratory patterns.

The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) will spearhead the satellite-tagging initiative, while the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC) will conduct near-shore surveys to identify turtle hotspots and evaluate bycatch risks.

Local fishing communities will be engaged in the study, encouraging fishermen to report turtle sightings which will aid in identifying high-risk fishing zones.

Officials emphasized that stakeholder involvement is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies. The funding has been allocated between the two institutions, with WII receiving Rs 53.65 lakh for satellite tags, data transmission, and staffing.

AIWC will obtain Rs 30.29 lakh for fieldwork expenses, including boat rentals, accommodation, and flipper tag procurement.

The government order highlighted that this project is anticipated to provide vital insights into the migratory routes, foraging areas, and nesting behaviors of Olive Ridley turtles. The outcomes will inform policy decisions, including potential regulations on fishing activities in high-conservation-value zones to reduce turtle bycatch.

Officials noted that this project is a significant advancement in Tamil Nadu's commitment to protect the Olive Ridley, a species categorized as vulnerable, and to preserve its delicate nesting habitats along the state's coastline.