In Odisha, the Olive Ridley turtles have reached unprecedented numbers in nesting. Olive Ridley turtles Odisha, In Rushikulya in 2025, there were two mass nesting events, the first of which was the largest ever recorded; over the course of the entire nesting season, the state achieved nearly a million nests.
What Does 2025 Mean?
Between February 16–23 of 2025, the state’s forest department counted over 698,000 turtles at Rushikulya, and an additional 205,000 on March 22–27. In the earlier years of this century, the number of nests was between 25,000–50,000. Now, this figure has grown to over 400,000 nests in one season.
What are the Threats to Olive Ridley turtles?
- Bycatch: Many turtles become entangled in fishing nets, though this has not yet had an impact on population numbers.
- Light: The shine of towns and ports blinds the hatchlings; therefore, the authorities have appealed to the nearby industries to limit their illumination.
- Erosion: The nesting area, according to environmentalists, is undergoing erosion.
- Development: Climate change, coastal developments, and pollution are the challenges.
What Prevents Them from Being Threatened? – Olive Ridley turtles Odisha
The state forbids large mechanised fishing boats close to the shore, obligates them to use the turtle excluder devices, and the Coast Guard conducts Operation Olivia that prohibits fishing in certain areas. Gopalpur Port says it has cut lighting to avoid skyward spill.
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