Declaration of Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972

What the notification does

G.O. Ms. No. 165, Environment, Climate Change and Forests (FR.5), dated 21st September 2022, declares a defined part of Palk Bay as the Dugong Conservation Reserve from 21st September 2022. The declaration was made by the Governor of Tamil Nadu after consultation with local communities, using powers under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

The Government of Tamil Nadu considered the area ecologically and biologically important for protecting, propagating and developing wildlife and its environment.

Area covered

The Dugong Conservation Reserve comprises coastal waters of Thanjavur and Pudukkottai Districts. Its main geographical features are:

• It runs along Palk Bay from Adirampattinam in Thanjavur District to Ammapattinam in Pudukkottai District.
• The seaward boundary is generally 10 kilometres, or 5.3996 nautical miles, from the coastal boundary.
• Kattumavadi in Pudukkottai District is an identified point along the coastal boundary.
• The total perimeter is 111.38 kilometres.
• The total extent is 448.34 square kilometres, or 44,834 hectares.
• The schedule provides boundary points using decimal degree coordinates in the WGS 84 Datum.

Conservation purpose

The Environment, Climate Change and Forests Department records that Palk Bay provides habitat for dugongs, dolphins, porpoises and turtles. Its mangroves and backwaters also support native and migratory birds and provide breeding and feeding grounds for finfish and shellfish.

The notification states that dugong numbers have fallen because of past uncontrolled fishing and reduction of seagrass grazing areas. It identifies approximately 12,250 hectares of seagrass beds in the coastal areas of Thanjavur and Pudukkottai Districts. Protecting these habitats is also expected to support commercially valuable finfish, crabs and shrimps, benefiting small scale and marginal fishermen who depend on nearshore fishery productivity.

Relevance to property owners and users

The declared area is described as coastal waters bounded by the district coastline and specified offshore coordinates. Anyone assessing property, fishing activity or another proposed use near the coast between Adirampattinam and Ammapattinam should check the scheduled coordinates to determine whether the location adjoins or falls within the reserve.

The notification does not identify individual land survey numbers, prescribe land transaction procedures, or list specific restrictions, permissions, rates or fees.