Chennai, Aug 30: The government of Tamil Nadu has allocated Rs 84 lakh for a comprehensive two-year research project aimed at monitoring the movements of Olive Ridley turtles along the state's coastline. This initiative seeks to enhance conservation efforts and minimize turtle fatalities.

Scheduled to take place from 2025 to 2027, the project will utilize cutting-edge telemetry technology to observe turtle behavior, nesting habits, and their interactions with fishing activities.

This decision follows the alarming discovery of numerous Olive Ridley turtles found dead along the northern Tamil Nadu coast between December 2024 and March 2025, with many believed to have died after becoming trapped in fishing nets.

As per a Government Order issued by Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Forests, 20 Olive Ridley turtles will be equipped with satellite transmitters at significant nesting locations, including the Chennai coast and the Cauvery Delta.

These transmitters will enable researchers to track the turtles' near-shore movements during the nesting season, which spans from November to April.

Additionally, 10,000 flipper tags will be used to identify individual turtles, facilitating long-term monitoring of their nesting site fidelity and migratory patterns.

The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) will spearhead the satellite-tagging initiative, while the Advanced Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC) will conduct near-shore surveys to identify turtle hotspots and evaluate bycatch risks.

The study will actively involve local fishing communities, encouraging fishermen to report turtle sightings and assisting in pinpointing high-risk fishing areas.

Officials emphasized that stakeholder involvement is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies. The funding has been allocated between the two institutes, with WII receiving Rs 53.65 lakh for satellite tags, data transmission, and personnel costs.

AIWC will be granted Rs 30.29 lakh to support fieldwork, which includes expenses for boat rentals, accommodation, and the purchase of flipper tags.

The government order highlighted that this project is anticipated to yield vital information regarding the migratory paths, foraging areas, and nesting behaviors of Olive Ridley turtles. The results will inform policy decisions, potentially leading to regulations on fishing practices in areas of high conservation value to reduce turtle bycatch.

Officials noted that this initiative represents a significant advancement in Tamil Nadu's commitment to protecting the Olive Ridley turtle, a species classified as vulnerable, and preserving its delicate nesting environments along the state's coastline.