Five of the seven species of marine turtles are found in Indian coastal waters and at least four have significant nesting beaches and/or feeding areas there. These are the Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), the Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), the Green turtle (Chelonia mydas), and the Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea). All these species are currently listed in both Appendix I and II of CMS and have been designated for Concerted Actions under the Convention. In 2001 the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation and Management of Marine Turtles and their habitats of the Indian Ocean and South-East Asia (IOSEA MOU) was concluded under CMS auspices.

Main causes for the decline of marine turtle populations in India coastal waters are incidental catch in fisheries and the loss of their breeding grounds. Research and conservation efforts have so far mainly focused on the nesting population of Olive Ridley in Orissa. Populations feeding and nesting in other maritime states (e.g. Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andrha Pradesh, West Bengal) and offshore islands (Andaman, Nicobar & Lakshadweep) have received much less attention. This project targets those regions and populations with a view to building a comprehensive conservation action plan for the country and region. More specifically, the project aims at (i) monitoring the status of marine turtles at key sites along the Indian mainland coast and islands; (ii) identifying the origins of marine turtles nesting on the Indian coast and to elucidating their migratory routes using conventional tagging, molecular genetics and satellite telemetry; (iii) using research and monitoring programs to build a network with local institutions and agencies and to promote education and awareness programs amongst local communities. The project is expected to contribute towards the implementation of the conservation and management plan (CMP) adopted within the above-mentioned IOSEA MoU.

CMS-funded activities integrate in a wider initiative supported by UNDP-Government of India and implemented by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). The current project is coordinated by the Centre for Herpetology, Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and is implemented with the participation of Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology (GuIDE), Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), Andaman & Nicobar Environmental Team (ANET)/ Centre for Island Ecology, Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) and the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) and the support of regional and local management authorities in India.