National Marine Turtle Action Plan

The Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change released the ‘National Marine Turtle Action Plan’ in January 2021. The Action Plan aims to conserve marine turtles and their habitats for maintaining a healthy marine ecosystem.

Turtle Species in India

Five species of sea turtles are found in Indian waters:

  1. Olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea),
  2. Green (Chelonia mydas),
  3. Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata),
  4. Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), and
  5. Loggerhead (Caretta caretta).

Protection: These five species of sea turtles that occur in Indian coastal waters are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Need for an Action Plan

  • Marine turtles influence on the structure and function of marine biodiversity in India, which is critical for the sustainability of fisheries in the region.
  • Their presence is an indicator of healthy marine ecosystems and provides a source of revenue for local communities through tourism.
  • The turtle population is prone to Natural disasters such as tsunamis, cyclones, hurricanes and storms.
  • Factors like climate change, unsustainable resource use, marine litter and pollution affect marine turtles and their habitats.
  • Managing threats require coordination, action and people’s participation.

Aim

  • The plan aims to conserve turtle species and improve the understanding of marine turtles and their habitats through a coordinated mechanism.
  • It will also Promote Awareness and Education on conservation of marine turtles and their habitats and enhance livelihoods of coastal communities.
  • It will increase national, regional and international cooperation on marine turtle conservation.

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