Tamil Nadu government is set to implement 'Project Dolphin' in order to conserve the highly endangered mammal at the cost of Rs 812.6 lakhs during 2023-2024. Making the announcement on social media, IAS Supriya Sahu said that the government aims to undertake several activities including Dolphin number estimation, protection, surveillance and awareness enhancement through the project.
Taking to X, IAS Supriya Sahu, TN Addl Chief Secretary Environment Climate Change & Forests said, "Tamil Nadu to implement Project Dolphin to conserve the highly endangered marine mammal under the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitat programme of @moefcc. More than four types of dolphin species are found in the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve. The Project will be implemented at a cost of Rs 812.6 lakhs during the year 2023-2024."
Several activities including Dolphin number estimation, protection, surveillance and awareness enhancement will be undertaken. A government order has been issued in this regard, she said.
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On November 6, 2023, Tamil Nadu government issued an order to implement the project.
"Dolphins play an important role in keeping the marine environment in balance. Dolphins around the world face various natural and human-induced threats which include hunting, entanglement in fishing nets, overfishing, climate change, ship strikes, tourism activities, toxic contamination, noise pollution, oil and gas development and habitat degradation," the release said, as per PTI.
In the previous year, a group of 7 Dolphins were effectively saved and released to the waters within the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, a region characterized by abundant marine life and high productivity. This area is known for its diverse marine biodiversity, which encompasses various sea creatures like dugongs.