On the occasion of World Oceans Day (June 8), TREE Foundation, Neelankarai, proudly highlights the transformative impact of its community-driven marine conservation efforts along the Chennai and Chengalpattu coasts. Artisanal fishing communities, trained and empowered through the Foundation’s awareness and capacity-building programs, are now at the forefront of protecting endangered sea turtles and marine megafauna.
Since 2021, over 295 fishermen have actively participated in the rescue and safe release of marine species, including Olive Ridley, Green, Hawksbill, and Leatherback turtles, as well as dolphins, tiger sharks, and pilot whales. More than 181 tons of ghost nets have been retrieved from the sea through incentivised programs, significantly reducing entanglement threats.
These initiatives, supported by the Forest and Fisheries Departments, Indian Coast Guard, and corporate partners like Eicher Group Foundation and AstraZeneca, have turned former poachers into protectors. Women, children, and entire villages now participate in hatchling releases and turtle rescues.
Specific examples of impact, from around Chennai, include:
- Dharmaseelan, a fisherman from Thazhuthali Kuppam, rescued and released 9 Olive Ridley turtles and 1 tiger shark.
- A juvenile Olive Ridley, named Saki, was rescued on January 21, 2022, severely injured from a 1464 kg ghost net. It was rehabilitated at TREE Foundation’s centre and released on April 20, 2022.
- Thennarasu from Sathurangapattinam released 21 entangled Olive Ridley turtles.
- Suresh from Paramankeni rescued and released 9 entangled Olive Ridley turtles.
- Fishermen from Nainar Kuppam in Chennai rescued and released an entangled dolphin.
- Kannan from Kovalam rescued and released a stranded short-finned pilot whale.
- Fishermen from Periya Neelankarai Kuppam rescued and released a critically endangered Leatherback turtle from a ghost net.
TREE Foundation continues to share its data with government authorities annually and calls for formal recognition and awards to these unsung heroes to further spread the message of ocean stewardship and community-led conservation.
