Home / Environment / New SOPs Shield Turtles from Beach Havoc
New SOPs Shield Turtles from Beach Havoc
9 Oct
Summary
- Night events and bonfires restricted near turtle nesting sites.
- Buffer zones created around eggs to prevent disturbance.
- Fisheries department must ensure safe trawling practices.
The Tamil Nadu forest department has implemented a new standard operating procedure (SOP) aimed at conserving marine turtles. Released on Thursday, this SOP outlines crucial guidelines for various government departments, coastal security groups, NGOs, and the public. Key protective measures include restricting night events, vehicular movement, and bonfires within 200 meters of turtle nesting sites.
Additionally, 'no-entry buffer zones' of 3 meters will be established around turtle eggs. The turtle season runs annually from October to March, with hatching typically occurring from late January. The new SOP applies to all marine turtle species, expanding upon existing guidelines for Olive Ridleys. It mandates regular monitoring and beach clean-up drives.
The fisheries department is required to prevent boats from trawling within five nautical miles of nesting sites and ensure trawlers are equipped with turtle excluder devices. Coastal security groups will conduct night patrols to prevent poaching. The forest department will geo-tag nest locations and protect hatchlings from ant attacks using natural repellents.
These comprehensive guidelines cover pre-season, nesting, and post-season activities. Forest officials are instructed to review the SOP periodically and submit annual reports on its implementation. The event also saw the flagging off of an animal ambulance.
