Tamil Nadu forest department begins conservation for Olive Ridley turtles
The Chennai Wildlife Division has initiated beach and boat patrols to protect endangered sea turtles ahead of the December nesting season.
The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has launched conservation measures along the Chennai coastline to protect endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles, according to The Shillong Times.
These measures aim to safeguard habitats before the annual migratory and nesting season begins in December. Chennai Wildlife Warden Bhargava Teja said patrolling operations commenced in November following standard operating procedures.
The patrols will last between two and three hours and occur three to four times a week. The headquarters wildlife range will monitor the coast from Marina Beach to Neelankarai and Uthandi, while the Pulicat range will monitor the Pulicat coast.
Officials will identify sensitive patrol zones, conduct beach-cleaning operations, and remove obstacles. The department also plans to train volunteers in turtle conservation techniques, nesting site identification, and reporting procedures.
The Marine Elite Force (MEF), in coordination with the Fisheries Department, has started boat patrols to monitor fishing activities. The force will track trawlers and fishing vessels to ensure compliance with government-imposed fishing restrictions.
Mechanised trawlers in sensitive waters pose risks as turtles can become accidentally entangled in fishing nets. Forest officials expect these coordinated efforts to strengthen conservation during the forthcoming nesting season.