New initiative aims to combat illegal fishing and support conservation along Chennai’s coastline.
Garuda Aerospace has announced a three-month initiative to protect endangered Olive Ridley turtles along Chennai’s coastline. In partnership with the Tree Foundation and the Tamil Nadu Departments of Forest and Fisheries, the company is offering free drone surveillance to combat illegal fishing practices and safeguard nesting sites during the critical breeding season.
The program comes in response to reports of over 300 Olive Ridley turtle deaths in the last three weeks, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced conservation efforts.
Leveraging Drone Technology for Conservation
Garuda Aerospace’s drones will provide aerial surveys to identify nesting sites, track hatchling progress, and monitor coastal areas for illegal fishing activity. Equipped with loudspeakers, the drones can warn fishermen violating the Tamil Nadu Marine Regulation Act, 1983, which prohibits certain activities within five nautical miles of the coast.
“The plight of the Olive Ridley turtles demands immediate action and long-term solutions,” said Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace. “By deploying our drones free of charge for the next three months, we’re directly intervening to protect nesting sites, deter illegal fishing, and give these hatchlings a chance at survival.”
Threats to Olive Ridley Turtles
Olive Ridley turtles face numerous challenges, including entanglement in fishing nets, habitat loss, and human interference. Their nesting season, from January to April, is a particularly vulnerable time when turtles migrate from the Gulf of Munnar to Northern Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh coasts.
Dr. Supraja Dharini, a conservation expert and head of the Tree Foundation, noted, “The Olive Ridley turtle population is facing a critical threat. The combination of habitat destruction and accidental entanglement in fishing nets has led to a drastic decline in their numbers. This initiative by Garuda Aerospace to provide drone surveillance is a welcome and essential step in protecting these magnificent creatures.”
Supporting Conservation with Advanced Technology
Garuda Aerospace has a fleet of versatile drones equipped with cameras and loudspeakers, enabling real-time monitoring and rapid response to illegal activities. Their drones will cover a 5 to 10 km radius of the ocean, providing critical surveillance during the nesting season.
The company’s involvement in this initiative aligns with its broader efforts in environmental protection and innovation. With clients like the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Garuda Aerospace continues to demonstrate the diverse applications of its drone technology.
This initiative underscores the vital role of advanced technology in addressing urgent conservation challenges and ensuring a safer environment for Olive Ridley turtles during their breeding season.
For more information, visit Garuda Aerospace
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
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