Tue Dec 30 23:30:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
Olive Ridley sea turtle deaths are higher than average in Chennai during the early nesting season. The Hindu accompanied the Marine Elite Force, a new patrol team, to observe their efforts to deter illegal trawling within five nautical miles of the shore, a restricted zone meant to protect turtles and artisanal fishermen. The Marine Elite Force, comprised largely of local fisherfolk, patrols the coast, warns trawlers encroaching on the nearshore zone, and reports their violations to the Fisheries Department. Despite the discouraging number of turtle deaths, officials see the Marine Elite Force as a promising initiative and are considering expanding the program.
News Article:
Chennai’s Marine Elite Force Battles to Protect Olive Ridley Turtles Amidst Spike in Deaths
CHENNAI, Dec. 31, 2025 – Amidst a concerning rise in Olive Ridley sea turtle deaths during the early weeks of the nesting season, a new initiative, the Marine Elite Force, is patrolling the Chennai coast to combat illegal trawling. The Hindu joined the patrol on Tuesday, December 30, observing their efforts to enforce the five nautical mile restriction zone meant to protect both the endangered turtles and local artisanal fishermen.
While official counts list nearly 100 dead turtles washing ashore this December, local estimates suggest the numbers could be even higher. In response, the 12-member Marine Elite Force, equipped with two patrol boats, is actively monitoring the coastline, from Adyar to Tiruvottiyur and as far south as Palavakkam.
Comprised primarily of experienced fisherfolk from Urur Olcott Kuppam, the Marine Elite Force identifies and warns trawlers encroaching within the restricted zone. They record boat numbers and GPS coordinates of violations, forwarding the information to the Fisheries Department for further action, including potential license cancellation.
“These boats usually fish in deeper waters, but on their return, they often lay their nets again to maximize their catch,” explained Aravind Kumar of the Marine Enforcement Wing.
During the patrol, the team encountered multiple instances of illegal trawling, demonstrating the ongoing challenge. They also spotted a rare mating pair of turtles, a moment of hope quickly tempered by the discovery of a deceased turtle carcass nearby.
Climate Change, Environment and Forests Secretary, Supriya Sahu, expressed confidence in the potential of the Marine Elite Force and announced plans to consider expanding the program, potentially hiring more local personnel to bolster coastal patrols. The future of Chennai’s Olive Ridley turtles may depend on the effectiveness of these ongoing efforts.
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