Nearly 1.65 lakh Olive Ridley sea turtle hatchlings have been successfully released into the sea along the Tamil Nadu coast this nesting season, marking an encouraging year for turtle conservation efforts in the State.

According to data from the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, 1,985 turtle nests have been recorded during the 2026 nesting season so far, with around 2.29 lakh eggs collected and protected. The season also witnessed a sharp decline in turtle mortality. Deaths dropped by nearly 50%, from 1,572 turtles last year to 784 this year, which officials attributed to extensive monitoring and coordination among government agencies, volunteers, and coastal communities.

In a social media post, Supriya Sahu, Environment and Forests Secretary, said Chennai Wildlife Region recorded the highest nesting activity, with 656 nests and 74,143 eggs collected. Cuddalore emerged as a leading conservation district, with 48,617 hatchlings safely returning to the sea. Officials said the nesting season was still under way, with more than 62,000 hatchlings yet to emerge.

The figures continue the momentum seen during the 2025 nesting season, when Tamil Nadu recorded one of its strongest Olive Ridley conservation years. By the end of April 2025, over 2.29 lakh hatchlings had already been released across the State after more than 3.19 lakh eggs were collected and protected. Cuddalore had then led the State in hatchling releases, followed by Mayiladuthurai and Chennai.

The 2025 season had initially raised concern among conservationists after hundreds of Olive Ridley carcasses washed ashore during January and February. However, officials said coordinated efforts involving the Forest Department, Fisheries Department, Indian Coast Guard, and conservation groups helped improve nesting and hatchling survival rates later in the season. Forest officials have also been expanding conservation measures, including turtle telemetry studies, continued monitoring through the Turtle Task Force, and improved hatchery data collection to better replicate natural nesting conditions.

The Forest Department credited the Students Sea Turtle Conservation Network, Tree Foundation India, the Coast Guard, Fisheries Department hatchery teams, forest staff, coastal watchers, volunteers and fishing communities for their contribution to conservation efforts.