Olive Ridley Turtles Back In Odisha’s Gahirmatha For Mass Nesting

Kendrapada: Hundreds of endangered Olive ridley sea turtles have started arriving at Gahirmatha marine sanctuary in Odisha’s Kendrapada district, for mass nesting, a natural phenomenon much awaited by nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

According to sources, hundreds of turtles are currently mating on the surface of the seawater. “Olive Ridley turtles usually start mating in the sea near their preferred nesting coast in November and December. After the end of the mating season, most male turtles return leaving behind the females to lay eggs,” TNIE reported Range officer of the sanctuary Manas Das as saying.

Hatchlings develop from the eggs after 45-60 days and find their way to the sea.

Several steps have been taken to protect the turtles during the nesting period including a ban on fishing from November 1 to May 31 next year. The restricted area includes the stretch of the sea up to a distance of 20 km from the coastline of Gahirmatha rookery.

It is pertinent to mention here that the Forest department has arrested 25 fishermen and seized four boats for violating the fishing ban since November 1. Around 5,01,157 Olive Ridleys laid eggs from March 25 to 28 this year at Nasi-1 and Nasi-2 islands.

Besides Gahirmatha, the Odisha government imposed a seven-month ban on fishing activities in an area spanning 20 km from the mouths of rivers Dhamara, Devi, and Rusikulya.

Also Read: 7-Month Fishing Ban Near Olive Ridley Nesting Sites In Odisha