Bhubaneswar: The Indian Coast Guard’s annual conservation mission has reached a new milestone, successfully protecting over 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles during their nesting season at Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha this February.
Operation Olivia, the Coast Guard’s flagship marine conservation initiative running from November to May each year, has been instrumental in safeguarding one of the world’s largest mass nesting sites for the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles. The Odisha coastline, particularly Gahirmatha Beach and surrounding areas, witnesses the arrival of over eight lakh turtles annually.
The success of this year’s operation stems from a multi-pronged approach combining rigorous patrolling, aerial surveillance, and community engagement. Since the program’s inception, the Coast Guard has conducted over 5,387 surface patrol sorties and 1,768 aerial surveillance missions to monitor and protect the nesting grounds.
“This record mass nesting at Rushikulya is a testament to our sustained efforts in creating safe havens for these magnificent creatures,” said a Coast Guard spokesperson. The operation has significantly reduced threats such as illegal fishing and habitat disruption that previously endangered the turtle population.
The Coast Guard’s enforcement efforts have been equally impressive, with 366 boats involved in illegal fishing activities detained during the operation period. This strong enforcement presence has helped create a protective buffer around critical nesting areas.
Beyond surveillance and enforcement, Operation Olivia emphasizes community involvement. The Coast Guard has been working closely with local fishing communities, promoting the use of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) to prevent accidental turtle catches. These devices allow turtles to escape from fishing nets, reducing mortality rates significantly.
The success of Operation Olivia also stems from strategic partnerships with non-governmental organizations through formal memorandums of understanding. These collaborations focus on sustainable fishing practices and conservation education, ensuring that protection efforts extend beyond the immediate nesting season.
The Olive Ridley turtle, listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, faces numerous threats including coastal development, pollution, and fishing activities. The species is known for its synchronized mass nesting behavior, called arribada, where thousands of females come ashore simultaneously to lay eggs.
The record success of Operation Olivia 2025 demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated conservation efforts combining government action, community participation, and scientific monitoring. As climate change and human activities continue to pose challenges to marine ecosystems, initiatives like Operation Olivia provide hope for the preservation of endangered species.
The Indian Coast Guard’s commitment to marine conservation extends beyond turtle protection, encompassing broader efforts to maintain the ecological balance of India’s vast coastline. With over 7,500 kilometers of coast to protect, such conservation successes serve as models for future marine protection initiatives.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.