Bhubaneswar/Kolkata: Those engaged in conservation efforts of the endangered Olive Ridley turtle along the Odisha coast received some encouraging news on Thursday.
The Department of Forests, Odisha, informed that 5,55,638 eggs have been safely laid by the species at Rushikulya and the stretch between Devi River Mouth and Astarang.
“Operation Olivia is now underway to protect these animals from poachers and other threats. The report by the forest department symbolises that the collective conservation efforts towards wildlife protection are moving in the right direction. Conservationists have established protected areas on beaches off the Odisha coast, where these turtles can lay their eggs. These areas are regularly monitored to prevent human interference, whether through seaward poaching or leisure activities,” a senior Indian Coast Guard (ICG) official from the North East Regional Headquarters said.
Every year, since 1991, the ICG has been providing assistance to central and state authorities as well as NGOs and other conservationists for protection of endangered species like the Olive Ridleys. These turtles are known to swim thousands of km every year to return to their nesting grounds along the Odisha coast.
“The nesting data reveals that there are 6,126 nests with 5,51,238 eggs at Rushikulya alone. Nesting between the Devi River Mouth and Astarang is sporadic in nature. There are about 60 nests there with 5,400 eggs. The ICG has been entrusted with the charter responsibility of preserving and protecting the maritime environment. Our operations, in coordination with the state fisheries and forest departments, started on November 1, 2024 and will continue till May 31, 2025,” the ICG official said.
As part of Ops Olivia, the ICG conducts social awareness drives and special community interaction programmes to sensitise the coastal population and the fishing community of the threat these animals face. During this period, fishing trawlers and boats operating close to the marine reserve or protected areas are checked to ensure that they use Turtle Excluder Devices.
“iCG ships and aircraft are deployed to protect the turtles and ensure that appropriate environment is available for them during this mass nesting season. Till Friday, 29 ICG ships have been deployed for 138 days and aircraft have flown for 65 hours as part of Ops Olivia 2024/25. Nearly 150 fishing boats have been boarded for investigations,” the official added.
