Tamil Nadu Marks End of Nesting Season with Record Sea Turtle Release
A Triumph for Conservation Efforts
As the nesting season draws to a close, Tamil Nadu has achieved a remarkable milestone by releasing an unprecedented number of sea turtles into the Bay of Bengal. This event underscores the state’s commitment to marine conservation and highlights the success of its preservation initiatives.
The Longest Coastline: A Haven for Marine Turtles
Boasting the longest coastline in India, stretching 1,076 km, Tamil Nadu provides a sanctuary for various marine turtle species. Among these, Olive Ridley turtles are the most common visitors, followed by Green Turtles, Hawksbill, Loggerhead, and Leatherback turtles.
Olive Ridley Turtles: Frequent Visitors to Tamil Nadu’s Shores
The shores of Tamil Nadu serve as a favored destination for Olive Ridley turtles during their nesting period. The state’s efforts in safeguarding these creatures’ habitats have played a crucial role in protecting their population.
A Haven for Marine Turtles
Boasting the longest coastline in India at 1,076 kilometers, Tamil Nadu provides a vital habitat for a variety of marine turtle species. Olive Ridley, Green, Hawksbill, Loggerhead, and Leatherback turtles all visit the Tamil Nadu coast during nesting season, with Olive Ridleys being the most frequent visitors.
Record-Breaking Release Numbers
This year’s nesting season saw Tamil Nadu’s forest department collect a total of 2,363 nests containing 258,775 eggs. These eggs were carefully transferred to hatcheries set up by the department, where they were monitored and protected from predators. The department successfully hatched and released a record-breaking 215,778 hatchlings back into the Bay of Bengal, surpassing last year’s total of 182,917.
Looking Ahead
With this successful release, Tamil Nadu sets a positive precedent for marine wildlife conservation. The state continues to work towards ensuring a safe and thriving environment for these majestic sea creatures.
