Tamil Nadu launches marine elite force to protect Chennai coast

Chennai: In a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at strengthening marine conservation and coastal protection, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department on Thursday launched the Marine Elite Force (MEF) in Chennai to carry out round-the-clock coastal patrolling and rapid response to marine emergencies.

The specialised force was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Minister for Forests and is being implemented at a cost of ₹96 lakh. The initiative is designed to enhance protection of critical marine habitats along the Chennai coast, with a special focus on olive ridley turtle nesting and congregation zones, which are among the most vulnerable stretches during the breeding season.

According to officials, the Marine Elite Force will be deployed for 24×7 coastal surveillance, swift response to marine animal strandings, and enforcement against illegal activities that threaten fragile coastal and near-shore ecosystems.

The unit will also support conservation efforts during peak turtle nesting months, when disturbance, light pollution and accidental entanglement pose serious risks to the endangered species.

The force will comprise two dedicated units, manned by trained watchers drawn from the local fishing community, integrating traditional knowledge with formal conservation efforts.

Additional Chief Secretary Environment Climate Change & Forests, Government of Tamil Nadu Supriya Sahu said, “In a pioneering initiative the TN Forest Department has launched the Marine Elite Force in Chennai to carry out round-the-clock coastal patrolling, respond swiftly to marine strandings, and safeguard critical habitats especially olive ridley turtle nesting and congregation zones. Implemented at a cost of Rs 96 Lakhs, the unit was launched today by the Hon’ble Forest Minister.”

“The force will have two units manned by watchers who are from the local fishing community. This dedicated force will significantly enhance marine protection, enforcement and community based conservation along the Chennai coast” she tweeted.

Officials said this community-based approach would not only improve surveillance and response times but also strengthen trust and cooperation between conservation authorities and coastal residents.

“With the Marine Elite Force, Tamil Nadu is taking a decisive step towards proactive marine protection,” a senior forest official said, adding that the initiative would significantly boost enforcement, monitoring and community-led conservation along the Chennai coastline.

The launch of the Marine Elite Force marks an important milestone in the State’s efforts to safeguard its marine biodiversity, reduce human-wildlife conflict at sea, and ensure long-term protection of ecologically sensitive coastal habitats.