Workshop on sea turtle conservation held in Thoothukudi

L. Madubalan, Corporation Commissioner, addresses the sea turtle awareness workshop in Thoothukudi on Thursday.
| Photo Credit: N. RAJESH

The Thoothukudi Forest Division conducted a workshop on sea turtle conservation under the scheme Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission and Tamil Nadu BioDiversity Greening Project at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute at Thoothukudi on Thursday.

The workshop focused on the importance of conserving the sea turtles and its impact for the marine ecosystem and environment.

Speaking at the event Thoothukudi District Forest Officer Revti Raman emphasised the crucial role of sea turtles in marine ecosystem and highlighted the measures taken by the forest department to protect sea turtles. He noted, “ In Thoothukudi district the forest department has set up three sea turtle nesting sites, two in Manapad and one in Kulasekarapattinam. A total of 1,800 turtles have been collected and 1,500 hatchlings have been released into the sea.”

He further mentioned that the turtles consume jelly fishes which pose a significant threat for fishermen as it consumes even the fingerlings. He also urged the fishermen to release the sea turtles into the sea that were accidentally caught in their nets.

Mr. Raman also stressed that protection of the sea turtles requires cooperation of all sectors and the public.

L. Madhubalan, Commissioner of Thoothukudi Municipal Corporation noted the importance of sea turtles on the food chain.

Kathiresan, Marine Ecosystem Expert said that there are seven types of turtles globally, five of which are found in India. He also mentioned that all the five are present in Tamil Nadu and explained the detailed way to find the type of sea turtles based on their features.

The workshop also featured sessions on sea turtle diversity, conservation and management and impact of climate change on marine animals and coastal livelihood.

R. Ishwarya, Additional Collector, Thoothukudi, L. Loveson Edward, Senior Scientist and Scientist In Charge of CMFRI, M. Prabhu, Revenue Divisional Officer and other officials were present at the meeting.

Around 50 fishermen from nearby villages and students participated in the workshop.