Record Number of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles Arrive at Rushikulya for Mass Nesting

Bhubaneswar: In a remarkable display of nature’s resilience, nearly 5 lakh endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles have arrived at the Rushikulya river mouth for their annual mass nesting. This year has witnessed an unprecedented surge, with around 6,50,000 turtles making their way to the Rushikulya shore, setting an all-time record for the species’ nesting activity.

According to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Prem Kumar Jha, the mass nesting began over a week ago and is expected to continue for another four to five days. The total number of nesting turtles at Rushikulya beach this year is anticipated to reach between 7,00,000 and 7,50,000, marking a significant milestone in the conservation of this endangered species.

In response to this extraordinary event, the Indian Coast Guard has launched “Operation Oliva” to ensure the safe passage of the turtles during their breeding and nesting period. Coastal patrolling has been heightened to protect the turtles as they move along the Odisha coastline to lay their eggs.

Survey reports by the Odisha forest department reveal that over 5,55,638 eggs have already been safely laid by the Olive Ridley turtles at Rushikulya and the nearby Devi River mouth. The successful nesting and conservation of these eggs are a result of collaborative efforts by wildlife authorities, demonstrating significant progress in the protection of this vulnerable species.

The Indian Coast Guard, which has been assisting central and state authorities in safeguarding endangered species under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 since 1991, continues to play a critical role in the conservation process. This year’s mass nesting event stands as a testament to the ongoing commitment to wildlife protection and the collaborative efforts of local, state, and national agencies.

With the arrival of such a large number of Olive Ridley turtles at Rushikulya, the event continues to capture the attention of wildlife conservationists and enthusiasts alike, showcasing the vital need for continued protection of these remarkable creatures and their natural habitats.