CHENNAI: With the number of Olive Ridley turtle deaths rising steadily, the Tamil Nadu government has initiated a massive crackdown on illegal trawling in nearshore waters. So far, 24 trawler boats have been caught operating within the prohibited zone of 5 nautical miles and charges are being framed. Meanwhile, a task force has been formed to tackle the crisis.
Confirming this to TNIE, Chennai Wildlife Warden Manish Meena said the fisheries and forest department officials have commenced joint patrolling from Kasimedu to Thiruvanmiyur.
In the last two days, 24 trawlers were spotted bottom fishing in violation of the Tamil Nadu Marine Fishing Regulation Act. “These trawler boats will not be permitted to sail into sea until the joint director of fisheries adjudicates the matter. The process would take at least a month. For the first offence, Rs 5,000 will be charged and in some cases the boats can be impounded, besides cutting their fuel subsidy,” he said.
Meanwhile, a formal request was also made to the Indian Coast Guard and Tamil Nadu coastal security group to join the patrolling. “Now, we will have three teams patrolling within 5 nautical miles daily. Another request was made to the animal husbandry department to send their veterinarians for conducting postmortem examination of the dead turtles as the wildlife vets are facing severe burnout,” Manish said.
On Saturday, around 85 new carcasses beached in Chennai. In Kovalam, home to Tamil Nadu’s only Blue Flag beach, 21 deaths were reported. Overall, the death toll has crossed 1,000, showing no sign of slowing down. Furthermore, traditional fishermen said hundreds of dead turtles are floating in the open sea and the current will bring them to the coast in the coming days.
The sea turtles play a key role in maintaining the equilibrium of the marine ecosystem. The Olive Ridleys, especially, feed on invertebrates and crustaceans living on the sea bed and help in releasing the oxygen locked there. Scientists believe only one out of 1,000 hatchlings that reach the ocean grow up to become adults and the rest end up as food for larger marine life.
Rakesh Kumar Dogra, PCCF and Chief Wildlife Warden, told TNIE that following the chief secretary’s meeting, a task force was formed with representatives from all departments concerned. “The first review meeting has been scheduled for Monday,” he said.