Tamil Nadu government has issued orders to implement Project Dolphin under the Union government’s Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats scheme.
The Gulf of Mannar, extends from Rameswaram to Kanniyakumari and has a chain of 21 uninhabited islands stretching along 140 km of the coast.
This region is known to have more than four species of dolphins including Steno bredanensis, Stenella attenuata, Stenella longirostris, and Delphinus delphis.
Project Dolphin activities will include strengthening of patrolling and surveillance, improving habitat through restoration of coastal ecosystems, removing ghost nets, and encouraging involvement of locals with incentives.
60% of the amount will be given by the Union government, the State will bear the remaining cost.