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TURTLES CONSERVATION PROJECT OF SLCG

The Coast Guard Turtle Conservation Project (CGTCP) was launched in September 2012 with the purpose of preserving the turtles, eggs and raising the awareness of sea turtle conservation in Sri Lanka as a part of the duties and functions of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard to assist in the conservation of marine species. The project is mainly focused on the 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 accordance with the project mooted to conserve sea turtles, maximum efforts were taken to conserve turtle eggs either at their natural habitats or adjoining suitable places, assuring their safety. Sri Lanka is famous for five kinds of turtle species including Green turtles, Leatherbacks, Olive Ridleys, Hawksbills, and Loggerheads who regularly visit the sandy beaches to nest in Sri Lanka's Southern beaches including Mirissa.

In the year 2021, 10354 eggs were collected in both regions and conserved in the hatcheries close to the SLCG Life Saving Posts/Establishments and released newly hatched 6002 baby sea turtles into the Sri Lankan beach.