Kollam: The state is set to introduce legislation to protect sea turtles and their natural habitats. State-level and district-level turtle conservation committees have been established, including coastal officials and local committees. The state committee is chaired by the Fisheries Director, while district committees will be chaired by the Deputy Director of Fisheries.

Camps are proposed in beaches where turtles congregate and in their breeding areas. Daily patrolling will be conducted on land and at sea. It is decided that human interference on beaches where turtles gather has to be prevented, and strict action to be taken against poachers.

Awareness campaigns on the importance of turtles will be conducted among fishermen and local communities. Locals will be encouraged to create habitats, breed and raise turtles.

The committees have also decided that the nesting beaches chosen by turtles to be protected through rules integrated with public education initiatives. Measures should be taken to reduce artificial lighting that disturbs turtles and to control human entry onto these beaches, it was also decided.
The committees

The state committee includes the Fisheries Additional Director as co-chair, the ADGP, the Forest Department Chief Conservator and representatives of various coastal protection committees. District committees include representatives of the police superintendent, Forest assistant conservator and local committees.

Nesting beaches

The Olive Ridley species is the main turtle that comes to Kerala coasts to lay eggs. Major nesting beaches include Kolavipalam (Kozhikode), Thaikkadappuram (Kasaragod), Thottappally (Alappuzha) and Chavakkad–Edakkazhiyoor (Thrissur).