Saving Sea Turtles in Chennai

For nearly four decades, dedicated volunteers in Chennai have been safeguarding the nesting sites of the endangered olive ridley sea turtles. These nocturnal beach patrols, carried out during the turtles’ breeding season, play a crucial role in protecting both the adult turtles and their vulnerable eggs from natural threats and human interference.
In 2025 alone, more than 260,000 olive ridley turtle eggs have been safely collected and protected across the Tamil Nadu coastline. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the power of community-driven conservation and ongoing efforts to preserve marine biodiversity.
As climate change and habitat destruction continue to endanger marine life, such grassroots initiatives shine a light on sustainable environmental stewardship. Chennai’s model offers hope—and a replicable approach—for turtle conservation efforts around the world.






