Chennai, Oct 6
In a major conservation push, Chennai will soon have its first dedicated elite marine force to protect the city’s fragile coastline and threatened marine life, especially the Olive Ridley sea turtles that visit these shores every winter to nest.
The specialised patrol unit is set to become operational by the end of this month. The force will guard the 60-km stretch of coastline from Muttukadu in the south to Ennore in the north, focusing on curbing illegal trawling within five nautical miles of the shore.
This inshore zone is legally protected as a safe breeding ground for marine life.
For years, enforcement in these shallow waters has been weak, allowing trawlers to operate nets that often trap and kill sea turtles and juvenile fish.
The new unit will be equipped with three patrol vessels -- a high-speed interceptor craft and two 20-seater boats for on-the-spot detention and transport of violators.