Bhubaneswar: In a significant achievement for marine conservation, the Indian Coast Guard’s (ICG) annual initiative, ‘Operation Olivia’, successfully protected a record-breaking 698,000 Olive Ridley turtles that nested at the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha in February 2025.
Carried out every year from November to May, Operation Olivia is a key mission by the ICG focused on safeguarding nesting sites for Olive Ridley turtles, especially along Gahirmatha Beach and nearby coastal areas in Odisha, which witness the arrival of over 800,000 turtles annually.
The unprecedented mass nesting at Rushikulya highlights the ICG’s ongoing dedication to protecting this endangered species through extensive sea patrols, aerial monitoring, and community outreach, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defence.
Since the operation’s launch, the ICG has conducted more than 5,387 sea patrol missions and 1,768 aerial surveillance flights, significantly curbing threats like illegal fishing and habitat destruction.
During this period, 366 boats involved in illegal fishing activities were apprehended, demonstrating the ICG’s firm role in enforcing marine protection laws. In addition to surveillance, the Coast Guard has worked closely with local fishing communities, encouraging the use of Turtle Excluder Devices and partnering with NGOs through formal agreements to promote sustainable fishing and raise conservation awareness.
This accomplishment reflects the success of continuous conservation efforts and emphasizes the importance of ongoing monitoring and adaptive strategies to support long-term marine ecosystem health, the ICG noted.
India’s eastern coast, particularly Gahirmatha Beach in Odisha, remains a critical nesting site for Olive Ridley turtles. Facing threats from illegal fishing, net entanglement, and habitat loss, these turtles depend on the ICG’s proactive protection and rescue efforts to ensure their continued survival.
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