On the conservation and management of marine turtles

Abstract

There are five species of marine turtles occurring in and around Mandapam - Rameswaram; both in the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay regions. They are incidentally caught live in trawl net, shore-seine, drift-gill net and bottom-set gill net operations in this area. They are in great demand in the rural sector. Though, the fishermen are aware that these endangered animals are protected, often the profit motive make them to sell these turtles. Whenever, any incidence is brought to the notice of the Regional Centre of the Institute, attempts have been made to rescue and release them back to the sea as a conservation measure.