- Over 300 Olive Ridley Turtles were found dead in the last 3 weeks at Chennai coastal guard
27th January 2025, Chennai, India– Garuda Aerospace, a leading drone technology company in India, is deploying free drone surveillance for the next three months along Chennai’s coastline to protect endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles. This initiative comes in response to recent reports of over 300 mass turtle deaths in the last three weeks and aims to support conservation efforts by combating illegal fishing practices. Garuda Aerospace is partnering with the Tree Foundation and the Departments of Forest and Fisheries for this operation.
Garuda Aerospace’s advanced drone technology offers a crucial solution. These drones provide efficient, non-invasive aerial surveys, identifying nesting sites, tracking hatchling progress, and monitoring coastal areas for illegal fishing activity. Equipped with speakers, the drones can issue warnings to fishermen violating Marine Fishing Regulations within five nautical miles of the coast, as stipulated by Section 5 of the Tamil Nadu Marine Regulation Act, 1983.
Olive Ridley turtles face numerous threats, including entanglement in fishing gear, habitat loss, predation, and human interference. Recent incidents have highlighted the urgent need for enhanced surveillance and enforcement of existing regulations. The nesting season, typically from January to April, is a particularly vulnerable period. Garuda Aerospace’s free drone surveillance, covering 5 to 10 km of the ocean, will provide critical support during this time, helping to protect nesting females and ensure the safe passage of hatchlings to the ocean.
“We are deeply concerned by the recent mass deaths of Olive Ridley turtles,” said Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace. “The plight of the Olive Ridley turtles demands immediate action and long-term solutions. 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. We believe this initiative will not only help these endangered creatures but also drive future innovation and growth for Garuda in the vital field of environmental protection.”
Dr. Supraja Dharini of The Tree Foundation, a leading expert in Olive Ridley turtle conservation, added, “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. Real-time monitoring and rapid response to illegal fishing activities are vital for the success of conservation efforts.”
With over 3,000 drones sold and serving clients like DRDO and the NDRF, Garuda Aerospace has a pan-India presence and the largest drone fleet in India. The Company has versatile drones equipped with various payloads, including cameras and loudspeakers, to tailor solutions for specific needs. As the only NDRF-empaneled drone company for disaster response, and holding dual DGCA certification, Garuda Aerospace is uniquely positioned to support this vital conservation effort. Garuda Aerospace has the technology that is ideally suited to protect Olive Ridley turtles by monitoring coastal areas and deterring illegal fishing. The next three months are the crucial breeding period when turtles migrate from the Gulf of Munnar to the Northern Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh coast to nest.
