A Students Sea Turtle Conservation Network (SSTCN) is a non-profitable organisation, working on the conservation and protection of sea turtles along the Chennai coast. Started in 1984 by a group of students, this organisation has volunteers from many city colleges.

The sea turtles are one of the most primitive species living. They have remained relatively unchanged by evolution, right from the time when dinosaurs ruled the world. Now, turtles are being killed indiscriminately by fishermen and poachers. For the fishermen, it is a solution to the problem of turtles getting entangled and damaging their nets. For the poachers, the turtles are considered a delicacy in some parts of the world. Their eggs are also sold as food in local markets and the shells are used for ornamental purposes. The turtles come to the shore and lay their eggs, leaving them buried in the sand.

Every year about 100 to 120 turtles come to the Chennai coastline to nest. Here they are vulnerable to attack by humans. The role of the SSTCN is to conduct walks along the Besant Nagar - Nellangarai coastline every night, during the nesting season (December - April every year), collect turtle eggs and relocate them safely in their hatchery. During weekends, the public are also allowed to join the walks along with the volunteers.

For more details contact: Sanjeev Gopal, 30 / 1 Flat # 12, Sunder Enclave, Valmiki Street, Tiruvanmiyur Chennai - 600 041.
Phone: 441 1937.

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