Work towards turtle conservation with SSTCN

What’s this about?

Students’ Sea Turtle Conservation Network is a voluntary group, mainly comprising of students who focus on the protection and conservation of the endangered Olive Ridley species. They set out to walk the beaches every night from January to April looking for turtle eggs which they collect and relocate to a safe space. When the turtle hatchlings emerge 45 days later, they are released into the sea.

Walks are conducted every night, covering a 7km stretch from Neelangarai Beach to Besant Nagar beach while also spreading awareness about endangered species and the state of the environment.

You can volunteer for either of these activities. Interested volunteers can contact them at : [email protected]

Who’s behind it?
The Students Sea Turtle Conservation Network (SSTCN) was formed in 1988. The original founders include Tito Chandy and Arif Razack who were soon joined by Tharani Selvam, Kartik Shanker, Yohan Thiruchelvam and Tara Thiagarajan. The students volunteering with SSTCN were mentored by Satish Bhaskar, one of India’s pioneering sea turtle biologists from 1988 to 1991. Romulus Whitaker and Harry Andrews of the Madras Crocodile Bank have also provided invaluable support to the organisation.

Date: Every night, between January and April

Time: 11 pm – 5 am

Contact number: 97898 64166

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