Home / Environment / Fishermen Save Rare Sea Cows Off Pudukottai
Fishermen Save Rare Sea Cows Off Pudukottai
27 Feb
Summary
- Fishermen rescued three dugongs entangled in fishing gear this month.
- Awareness programs significantly boost fishermen's conservation efforts.
- Forest department uses drones and boats to monitor dugong habitats.
In the coastal Pudukottai district, fishermen have recently demonstrated remarkable conservation efforts by rescuing three dugongs. These marine mammals, often called sea cows, became entangled in fishing nets on February 6, 11, and 20. This follows similar rescues reported last year, highlighting a consistent pattern of fishermen aiding trapped dugongs.
The successful rescues are credited to sustained awareness programs conducted by the Forest department. These initiatives educate local communities on the significance of conserving dugongs and other endangered marine life. The positive response is evident in the fishermen's actions, who now often record the rescues on their mobile phones and share them with officials.
To further protect these animals, the Forest department employs advanced monitoring techniques. A drone is deployed bi-monthly to observe dugong movements within their habitats along the 42-km coastline. Additionally, a dedicated fiber boat conducts daily patrols, extending up to 10 km offshore, ensuring continuous surveillance and timely intervention when necessary.
