THE SRI LANKA COAST GUARD TURTLE CONSERVATION PROJECT (CGTCP)

The Coast Guard Turtle Conservation Project (CGTCP) was launched in September 2012 with the purpose of preserving and raising the awareness of sea turtle conservation in Sri Lanka as a part of duties and functions of Sri Lanka Coast Guard to assist in the conservation of marine species. The project is mainly focused on conservation of Turtle eggs in Western and Southern parts of Sri Lanka being the important nesting grounds for Turtles by creating hatcheries close to SLCG Life Saving Posts/Establishment enabling maximize the number of hatchlings reaching the sea away from the threats of predators and survive the critical stages of their early life.

In this year, the number of eggs being laid and collected in both regions have been drastically increased compared to last years. It amounts nearly 20000 eggs in first three months in this year compared to 15000 eggs in entire last year. Sri Lanka Coast Guard is extending its horizons in conserving Turtles from breeding grounds to safer seas by educating fisherfolk and coastal communities through conducting awareness programmes and releasing captured turtles from fishing boats and traps out at sea. Sri Lanka Coast Guard warmly welcome foreign and local visitors to experience the thrill of returning thousands of baby turtles to their ‘homes’ in the ocean at near our life saving posts in Western and Southern parts of Sri Lanka.