CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu launched Marine Elite Force, the first such team in the country, to protect the marine resources and marine biodiversity in the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Bay, on Friday.

Two units of the Marine Elite Force have been established at Ramanathapuram district to combat marine wildlife crimes, including poaching and smuggling of marine animals, particularly in the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere and Palk Bay.

Launching the new unit, State Forest Minister M Mathiventhan said this will write a new chapter in the conservation and protection of precious marine biodiversity such as coral reefs, sea grass, and other marine flora and fauna.

“This unique initiative will help build a Blue Cadre of specialised forces to exclusively deal with marine biodiversity. This force will enhance the capacity of the Tamil Nadu Forest Department to conserve marine and coastal ecology in a professional manner," said Supriya Sahu, secretary of environment, climate change and forest department.

The government had announced to set up a Marine Elite Force during the Budget session 2022.

This apart, 12 people from the local fisher community were roped in as marine watchers. They will be engaged in the Marine Elite Force. They have been given extensive training related to marine patrolling, including scuba diving, snorkeling, and other necessary skills. The force has been training for over a year and has been carrying out pilot operations from April 2023. During this period, they have detected 25 cases, which resulted in the seizure of 4,133 Kg of illegal wildlife articles.

12 Marine watchers have been engaged in the Marine Elite Force from the local fishermen community. They have been given extensive training related to marine patrol, including scuba diving, snorkelling, and others. The force has been training for over a year and has been carrying out pilot operations since April 2023. During this period, they have detected 25 cases with the seizure of 4133 kg of illegal wildlife articles.