'Heroic Act': Tamil Nadu Fishermen Free Endangered Dugong Caught In Net — WATCH

Tamil Nadu is the first state in India to notify a Dugong Conservation Reserve in the Palk Bay region marking a groundbreaking step in marine conservation.

Tamil Nadu fishermen rescued and released an endangered dugong, demonstrating local awareness of conservation. The state is the first in India to establish a Dugong Conservation Reserve.

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Fishermen in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu have rescued and released a dugong that had accidentally been caught in their nets. This gesture reflected the growing awareness within local communities about protecting endangered dugongs. 

Dugong has been listed as a 'vulnerable' category on the IUCN list. According to the post issued by Tamilnadu's Additional Chief Secretary Health Department, Supriya Sahu, confirmed on social media that Tamil Nadu is the first state in India to notify a Dugong Conservation Reserve in the Palk Bay region. This marks a groundbreaking step in marine conservation.

When local community becomes the guardian and stewards of nature,wildlife conservation stands a great chance of success.Fishermen in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, recently rescued and released a dugong that had accidentally been caught in their nets. This beautiful gesture reflects the… pic.twitter.com/qvLlbnOCKk

— Supriya Sahu IAS (@supriyasahuias) November 13, 2024

Commending the efforts and initiatives of the locals, she said in a post, "When local community becomes the guardian and stewards of nature, wildlife conservation stands a great chance of success. Fishermen in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, recently rescued and released a dugong that had accidentally been caught in their nets."

"This beautiful gesture reflects the growing awareness within local communities about protecting endangered dugongs, thanks to Tamil Nadu’s extensive awareness efforts. Tamil Nadu is the first state in India to notify a Dugong Conservation Reserve in the Palk Bay region, marking a groundbreaking step in marine conservation, "she also said.

In the video, it can be seen that a dugong was trapped in the nets of fishermen. Together they strive hard to rescue after a lot of efforts. After a while, fishermen successfully rescued and released it into the water body. 

Netizens React To Video

Reacting to the post of IAS Supriya Sahu, one of the netizens appreciated her work and said, "Every time you tweet mam please remember, out there someone is praising, learning and inculcating the positivity around it. So keep on posting such initiatives, emotions and challenges, so humans can act and behave as humans."

Another said, "Wonderful to see local communities leading wildlife conservation efforts! Tamil Nadu’s work for dugong protection is truly inspiring."

The next said, "It's inspiring to see communities like the fishermen of Thanjavur actively engaging in wildlife conservation by rescuing endangered species like the dugong. This action is a testament to how local involvement can significantly enhance conservation efforts. Tamil Nadu's pioneering step in establishing the Dugong Conservation Reserve in the Palk Bay region shows the power of combining state-led initiatives with grassroots participation. When local communities become true custodians of their natural environment, conservation goals not only become achievable but are deeply sustained."

Another also appreciated, "Everything starts from the first chair for governance and awareness whether it’s policy matters or preservation. This the example of hard work and efforts of administration. Often people who credit success to public are the one who are deserving most. Congratulations madam."