Embarking on a dedicated effort to safeguard sea turtle populations along the Indian coast, WWF-India has been at the forefront of implementing conservation initiatives and mitigation strategies. These measures aim to mitigate threats faced by sea turtles at nesting sites and in marine habitats. Through a series of workshops and outreach programs engaging fisher communities, forest department officials, schools, and other stakeholders, WWF-India is actively working towards fostering awareness and promoting responsible practices.
Turtle Nesting Monitoring and Protection:
- Collaborating with the Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Department since 2008, WWF-India monitors turtle nesting events in Rushikulya and Devi.
- Implementing beach fencing to protect nesting sites from predators.
Aerial Survey of Offshore Turtle Aggregations:
In 2023, WWF-India partnered with the Dakshin Foundation and the Technology for Wildlife Foundation to conduct the first-ever structured aerial survey of offshore aggregations of sea turtles in India.
Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) Implementation:
- Conducting trials and training to incorporate Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in trawl nets.
- Building capacities of trawling communities, emphasizing the economic and environmental benefits of TED adoption.
- Focusing efforts on ensuring compliance and usage of TEDs along India’s East coast, with specific attention to mass aggregation sites in Odisha.
Local Marine Turtle Conservation Groups in Kerala:
- Coordinating a network of local marine turtle conservation groups along the Kerala Coast.
- Developing a comprehensive Marine Turtle Information System, improving infrastructure for beach protection, enhancing research and development for conservation efforts, and increasing awareness through collaboration with the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM).
Virtual Exhibition on Sea Turtles – “Arribada”:
- Collaborating with Aradhana Seth and the Dakshin Foundation on a virtual exhibition celebrating sea turtles.
- Showcasing turtle stories from culture and conservation, featuring an exhibition of turtle artifacts and more.
WWF-India’s multifaceted approach underscores its commitment to sea turtle conservation, blending scientific research, community engagement, and innovative strategies to ensure the well-being of these marine species.
Source: WWF INDIA