Olive Ridley turtles found entangled in a fishing net in Chennai. Image used for representation
| Photo Credit: B. Velankanni Raj
As the Tamil Nadu government continues to collaborate with fisherfolk to rescue marine animals caught in entanglements, a new initiative by the non-governmental organisation ReefWatch Marine Conservation aims to strengthen response efforts along the State’s coastline.
The launch of ‘Matsya: Marine Telemedicine Helpline & Resource Centre’ aims to bring expert support closer to communities encountering stranded or injured marine wildlife, said Rutuja Bansod, project coordinator at ReefWatch. A marine animal stranding occurs when an animal washes ashore and is unable to return to the sea due to injury, illness, or disorientation.
Tamil Nadu sees significant marine wildlife activity, especially during the Olive Ridley nesting season when turtle activity increases significantly.
Between January and March this year, when hundreds of sea turtles washed ashore in Chennai, ReefWatch supported conservation efforts in the region by conducting post-mortem examinations of Olive Ridley turtles along with the Forest Department to help identify the causes of death, she said.
“Many coastal states do not have dedicated marine wildlife treatment centres. Through Matsya, we will offer remote veterinary advice and technical support to those on the ground. We have also developed training materials — videos, manuals, handbooks — in local languages to help responders act quickly and effectively,” Ms. Bansod added.
Matsya builds on ReefWatch’s previous work in Goa and Karnataka, where it responded to 494 stranding cases between June and September 2024, including 181 live animals, in coordination with local networks of lifeguards, forest staff, and fishers.
Through their helpline number +91 6360249764, fisherfolk can access a team of marine biologists and veterinarians who can offer real-time guidance over the phone or via WhatsApp.
Published – September 06, 2025 05:02 pm IST
