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Key Points

Tamil Nadu has initiated an innovative Rs 84 lakh project to track Olive Ridley turtle movements using advanced satellite technology. The two-year study aims to understand turtle migration patterns and reduce marine wildlife mortality. Researchers will tag 20 turtles with satellite transmitters and deploy 10,000 flipper tags to monitor their behavior. This comprehensive approach involves local fishing communities and promises to generate critical data for marine conservation strategies.

Key Points: Tamil Nadu Launches Rs 84L Olive Ridley Turtle Tracking Project

  • Satellite tracking of 20 Olive Ridley turtles along Tamil Nadu coast
  • Deployment of 10,000 flipper tags for comprehensive marine research
  • Collaboration between Wildlife Institute of India and Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation
  • Engaging local fishing communities in conservation efforts
2 min read

TN launches Rs 84-lakh project to track Olive Ridley turtles

Tamil Nadu's groundbreaking marine conservation initiative uses satellite tags to monitor Olive Ridley turtle movements and protect endangered marine ecosystems.

TN launches Rs 84-lakh project to track Olive Ridley turtles
"The project will generate crucial insights into migratory routes and nesting behaviours - Government Order, Department of Environment"

Chennai, Aug 30

The Tamil Nadu government has sanctioned Rs 84 lakh for a two-year study to track the fine-scale movements of Olive Ridley turtles along the State's coastline, aiming to strengthen conservation measures and reduce turtle mortality.

The initiative, running from 2025 to 2027, will employ advanced telemetry technology to monitor turtle behaviour, nesting patterns, and their interactions with fishing activities.

The move comes after hundreds of Olive Ridley turtles were found dead along the northern Tamil Nadu coast between December 2024 and March 2025, many suspected to have perished after becoming entangled in fishing nets.

According to a Government Order issued by Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Forests, 20 Olive Ridley turtles will be fitted with satellite transmitters at key nesting sites, including the Chennai coast and the Cauvery Delta.

These tags will help researchers trace the animals' near-shore movements during the nesting season from November to April.

In addition, 10,000 flipper tags will be deployed to mark individual turtles, allowing long-term monitoring of nest-site fidelity and migratory behaviour.

The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) will lead the satellite-tagging programme, while the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC) will carry out near-shore surveys to map turtle hotspots and assess bycatch risks.

The study will also involve local fishing communities, encouraging fishermen to report turtle sightings and helping identify high-risk fishing zones.

Officials said the participation of stakeholders was vital in creating effective conservation strategies. Funding has been divided between the two institutes, with WII allotted Rs 53.65 lakh to cover the cost of satellite tags, data transmission, and personnel.

AIWC will receive Rs 30.29 lakh to conduct fieldwork, which includes boat hire, accommodation, and procurement of flipper tags.

The government order noted that the project is expected to generate crucial insights into migratory routes, foraging zones, and nesting behaviours of Olive Ridley turtles. The findings will guide policy decisions, including the possible regulation of fishing activities in high-conservation-value areas to mitigate turtle bycatch.

Officials said the project marks a significant step in Tamil Nadu's efforts to safeguard the Olive Ridley, a species classified as vulnerable, and to protect its fragile nesting habitats along the State's coastline.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Rs 84 lakh seems reasonable for such an important project. These turtles are part of our coastal ecosystem heritage. Good to see Tamil Nadu taking conservation seriously. Hope other coastal states follow suit!
A
Arjun K
Excellent initiative! But I hope they ensure the funds are used efficiently. Sometimes these projects have good intentions but poor execution. The involvement of local fishing communities is crucial - they know the waters best.
M
Meera T
As someone from Chennai, I've seen these beautiful creatures wash up dead on our beaches. It's devastating. This project gives me hope. We need to protect our marine life for future generations. 🙏
S
Siddharth J
Good step, but why only 20 turtles with satellite tags? Given the scale of the problem, they should track more. Also hope the data collected is made publicly available for researchers across India.
K
Kavya N
This is wonderful! Olive Ridleys have been nesting on our coasts for centuries. It's our responsibility to protect them. Hope the fishing community cooperation works well - they need alternative livelihoods if fishing zones are regulated.

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