The endangered dugong has been rescued by the coastal fishermen families of Thanjavur and they were awarded with money for their kindness towards marine life. When a fisherman family in Mallipattinam saved a dugong by releasing it back into the sea, they gained a reward of ₹20,000, thereby demonstrating their leadership in conservation. Furthermore, another two families who had caught turtles in their fishing nets accepted each ₹5,000 as conservation help.
The awards were presented at a special event held in Mallipattinam during the function which was aimed at emphasizing the elimination of the risk of extinction of dugong and other marine animals. This event held together by the Fisheries Department and Omkar Foundation focused on the important contribution of such communities to marine biodiversity conservation. It is not only their respect towards the aquatic ecosystem, but also the recognition of the significance of the community-based conservation initiatives.
Through their active efforts, they serve as role models for other families who may follow in their footsteps. These initiatives not only lead to conservation of endangered species but also to development of a feeling of responsibility towards the environment among coastal communities. This recognition and appreciation of such efforts also builds relations between communities and the ocean which are the main source of their livelihood. As custodians of the sea, such fishermen families play a major part in maintaining sustainability of sea life for the coming generations. They display an outstanding example of how communities are powerful tools in the process of conserving the environment.
