On patrol with Marine Elite Force in Chennai as Olive Ridley carcasses wash ashore

As Olive Ridley sea turtle deaths have spiked above average in the early weeks of the annual nesting season, The Hindu on Tuesday joined the recently established Marine Elite Force in Chennai to observe their role in patrolling the seas and intercepting trawlers operating within five nautical miles from the shore.

Similar to the previous nesting season, a higher number of Olive Ridley sea turtles had washed ashore since the beginning of December this year. While official count puts it close to 100 as on December 29, local fisherfolk and volunteers say that it could be higher.

However, unlike last season, measures are being initiated earlier this year. One such step is the Marine Elite Force, a 12-member team operating two boats specially procured for coastal patrolling.

After waiting for the tide to reach an adequate level, the boat is manoeuvred into the river mouth at 9 a.m. Forester Kishore Kumar explains that the teams take turns patrolling — heading north from Adyar up to Tiruvottiyur, and south as far as Palavakkam.

Each Marine Elite Force crew comprises around six members, including a member from the Marine Enforcement Wing of the Fisheries Department. Most of the crew members are fisherfolk from Urur Olcott Kuppam who know the waters well.

“The current and wind are strong today,” says K. Suthakar, steering the boat as waves crash against it. Two crew members, positioned at the front and rear, keep watch for trawlers, Olive Ridley turtles, and plastic debris floating in the water.

Mr. Suthakar notes that with such strong currents, turtles that die as far as 50 km north of Adyar can wash ashore at Besant Nagar, Injambakkam, Uthandi, and even Kovalam. “Most of the carcasses we see floating are already decomposed and are about a week to 10 days old,” he adds.

Soon after crossing Kasimedu, the crew spots two trawlers within 10 minutes, both of which have laid their nets. The patrol boat approaches them, and the members call out, “Valaiya eduthuttu kelambu (remove the net and leave).” They also warn the fishermen not to operate within five to six nautical miles from the shore, and caution that violations could lead to licence cancellation.

The Tamil Nadu Marine Fisheries Regulation Act, 1983, mandates that trawl boats operate beyond five nautical miles (approximately 9.26 kilometres) from the shore. This nearshore zone is reserved for artisanal fishermen using small craft, but trawl boats frequently encroach into these restricted waters, increasing the chances of turtles congregating in the area becoming entangled and killed.

A few kilometres ahead, near Tiruvottiyur, three more trawlers are spotted over the next 30 minutes. The Marine Elite Force instructs the fisherfolk to remove their nets and notes down the boat numbers. “These boats usually fish in deeper waters, but on their return, they often lay their nets again to maximise their catch. We forward the boat numbers along with the GPS coordinates to the Fisheries Department,” says Aravind Kumar of the Marine Enforcement Wing.

On the return journey, the crew spots a mating pair of sea turtles, and a mild cheer erupts on the boat. Everyone tries to catch a glimpse of the pair, while remarking that such sightings are rare. However, the moment of excitement is soon overshadowed by the sight of a turtle carcass floating nearby. “This one looks at least a week old,” says one of the crew members.

Climate Change, Environment and Forests Secretary, Supriya Sahu says the Marine Elite Force has significant potential to deter illegal trawling operations. Given the importance of their role, she adds that the department is also considering hiring more personnel, particularly locals, to strengthen coastal patrolling.