The Volunteers and the Tamil Nadu Forest Department have collectively gathered 2,53,719 turtle eggs across the State so far, nearing last year’s total of 2,58,907.
This is the highest in the last six years.
In January and February, over 1,200 dead turtles washed ashore along the coasts of Chennai and Chengalpattu.
Cuddalore tops the list with 89,784 eggs collected as of March 11.
It is followed by Chennai division with 47,082 eggs.
Nagapattinam ranks third with 73,728 eggs.
Villupuram and Ramnad divisions collected 23,403 and 18,073 eggs respectively.