Launch of the Study
Telemetry Study on Olive Ridley Turtles in Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu has initiated a two-year telemetry programme (2025–2027) to observe the movement of Olive Ridley turtles along its shores. This is the first such long-term attempt in the state to track and map their marine behavior.
Techniques Used
The project will rely on satellite-based devices and flipper tags to record the turtles’ travel paths. These technologies help scientists understand feeding zones, nearshore congregation areas, and places where turtles face risks from intensive fishing activities.
Main Objectives
The goal of the study is to provide scientific evidence for conservation planning. Identifying critical marine stretches will make it easier to frame rules that reduce bycatch incidents and safeguard the turtles during their migratory journeys.
Importance of Olive Ridleys
The Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) is among the smallest marine turtles and is famous for synchronized nesting known as arribada. They are marked as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, which makes targeted protection crucial.
Static GK fact: They receive the highest legal safeguard in India under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Rising Threats
Entanglement in trawl and gill nets remains a major danger, along with loss of nesting grounds and marine pollution. Tamil Nadu’s step is seen as a proactive measure to tackle these challenges using technology-driven monitoring.
Static GK fact: Odisha’s Gahirmatha coast is the largest nesting site for Olive Ridleys worldwide.
Conservation and Global Links
India is committed to protecting migratory turtles under agreements like the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and the IOSEA Marine Turtle Memorandum of Understanding. This study aligns with such obligations and strengthens India’s reputation in marine conservation leadership.
Expected Benefits
The findings are likely to:
- Pinpoint vital coastal habitats
- Guide sustainable fishing practices
- Reduce turtle deaths caused by bycatch
- Contribute to policy frameworks on marine resource use
Significance for Tamil Nadu
The coastal waters of Tamil Nadu support both rich marine ecosystems and large fishing populations. Data from the study will help strike a balance between conservation goals and livelihood needs, ensuring that both turtles and coastal communities benefit.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Telemetry Study on Olive Ridley Turtles in Tamil Nadu:
| Topic | Detail |
| State launching telemetry study | Tamil Nadu |
| Duration of study | 2025–2027 |
| Species tracked | Olive Ridley turtles |
| Methods used | Satellite tagging, Flipper tagging |
| Aim | Identify hotspots, migratory routes, entanglement-prone areas |
| Conservation goal | Reduce fishing-related mortality |
| IUCN status | Vulnerable |
| Indian protection law | Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (Schedule I) |
| Major nesting site in India | Gahirmatha, Odisha |
| International link | Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) |
