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(Organization for Marine Conservation, Awareness and Research)
PALK BAY CENTER
Dugong Rescue and Release
2018
Dugong rescued and released -1st November 2018
Keezhathottam, Thanjavur Dt
Dugong Rescued and Released - 26th July 2018
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12 feet, Male dugong (about 800-900 kg) rescued and released by Keezhathottam Fisherman, Thanjavur District. Forest Department and Marine Police Department and OMCAR staffs joined with fishers in this release efforts.
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The arrangements for the rescue and release was coordinated by Range Officer of Pattukkottai Range, Marine Police Department and Wild Life Institue of India with our Centre.
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This rescue and release is the outcome of the long-term effort of various inline departments (Forest Dept, Marine Police, Fishery Dept. and Veterinary Dept) with Wild Life Institute of India and OMCAR, which created awareness and participation of local community for saving Dugongs. Friends of Dugongs have been established by Forest Department in the last two years, which provides timely information.
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The situation of dugong conservation is improving in Palk Bay, which needs to be continued by strengthening further coordination, facilities and awareness.
Wild Life Institute of India – Friends of Dugong Felicitation Programme
(7th August 2018)
Rs. 10000 cheque given by Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Chief Project Director of Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Conservation and Greening Project Thiru. P Jagadish to fishermen from Keezhathottam village, who rescued and released a dugong (sea cow) on 26th July 2018.
Wild Life Warden of Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Mr. K. Ashokkumar, District Forest Officer of Thanjavur DistrictMr. S. Gurusamy, District Forest Officer of Thiruvarur Mr. T. Arivozhi and Dr.Balaji, Director of OMCAR Foundation also participated in the programme. The event was organized by Mr. Prem Jothi, Mr. Madhu and Ms. Rukmani of Wild Life Institute of India (Thondi Campus) at OMCAR Palk Bay Centre.
Joint Conservation efforts of Tamil Nadu Forest Department, Marine Police Department, Fishery Department, WII, and OMCAR lead to successful rescue and release of three dugongs in northern Palk Bay by Friends of Dugongs (a volunteer group of fishermen established by Tamil Nadu Forest Department in coastal villages) in the last two years. Dugongs are the highly endangered marine mammal, scheduled under Wild Life Act 1972.
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