Thu Jan 01 23:30:00 UTC 2026: Summary:

Chennai is ramping up its Olive Ridley turtle conservation efforts as the nesting season begins. Hatcheries are being established along the coast, with the Besant Nagar facility already operational. The Forest Department is coordinating with other agencies to combat illegal fishing, which is a major threat to the turtles. Patrols are being conducted, and violators are being penalized. A telemetry study is also planned to track turtle movement. Unfortunately, over 100 turtle carcasses have already washed ashore.

News Article:

Chennai Prepares for Olive Ridley Nesting Season Amidst High Carcass Count

Chennai, India – January 2, 2026 – As the Olive Ridley turtle nesting season gets underway along the Tamil Nadu coast, authorities in Chennai are stepping up conservation efforts. Hatcheries are being established at multiple locations, including Besant Nagar, Neelankarai, Kovalam, and Pulicat, to protect turtle eggs and improve hatching success. The Forest Department plans to initially establish around 50 hatcheries across coastal districts, with the possibility of increasing that number. Temperature data loggers will be installed in select nests at some hatcheries to study whether ambient temperatures are being maintained.

However, the start of the season has been marred by a grim discovery: over 100 turtle carcasses have washed ashore along the coast since December. The Tamil Nadu Forest Department is coordinating with the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department, the Fisheries Department, and the Marine Police to combat illegal fishing, a significant threat to the turtles.

“We are sharing data on violators, including trawlers, among agencies,” stated Manish Meena, Wildlife Warden, Chennai. Recent patrols have already resulted in the apprehension of several trawlers fishing illegally within five nautical miles of the shore. Three of these trawlers have been charge-sheeted by the Fisheries Department and will face temporary fishing bans.

In addition to enforcement, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department is planning a telemetry study to identify the movement routes and hotspots of Olive Ridley turtles. This study will provide valuable insights for future conservation strategies.

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