TN lanunches Marine Elite Force to protect Chennai coast

Chennai, Dec 18 (PTI) Tamil Nadu government on Thursday launched a Marine Elite Force (MEF) for the Chennai coast to strengthen surveillance, enforcement, and marine conservation efforts, with an initial budget of Rs 96 lakh.

The initiative, announced during the 2025–26 Budget Session of the State Legislative Assembly, aims to step up protection of ecologically sensitive marine habitats and endangered species such as the olive ridley turtle, the Forest Department said in a release.

Operating under the Chennai Wildlife Division, the force will conduct regular coastal patrols within five nautical miles from the shore and maintain zero tolerance against illegal fishing and wildlife crimes.

Special monitoring will be done between November and April -- the nesting and hatching season of olive ridleys -- to ensure rapid response to marine injuries and strandings.

Each patrol boat team will include 12 trained personnel, led by a Forest Range Officer and supported by foresters, forest guards, marine watchers, and boat drivers, said the press release.

The force has been equipped with modern patrol boats, underwater drones, body-worn cameras, and communication and safety gear to enhance effectiveness.

Comprising personnel largely drawn from the local fishing community, the unit has received specialised training in species identification, marine ecosystem monitoring, and operation of advanced surveillance equipment.

The Marine Elite Force was inaugurated by Forest and Khadi Minister R S Rajakannappan in Chennai in the presence of senior officials, including Additional Chief Secretary (Environment, Climate Change and Forests) Supriya Sahu, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force) Srinivas R Reddy, and Chief Wildlife Warden Rakesh Kumar Dogra, as well as representatives of the Fisheries Department, Tamil Nadu Coastal Security Group, and the Indian Coast Guard. PTI JR JR KH