There are five species of marine turtles
occurring in and around Mandapam -
Rameswaram; both in the Gulf of Mannar and
Palk Bay regions. They are incidentally caught
live in trawl net, shore-seine, drift-gill net and
bottom-set gill net operations in this area. They
are in great demand in the rural sector. Though,
the fishermen are aware that these endangered
animals are protected, often the profit motive
make them to sell these turtles. Whenever, any
incidence is brought to the notice of the Regional
Centre of the Institute, attempts have been made
to rescue and release them back to the sea as a
conservation measure
