The Indian Coast Guard successfully protected a record 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles of the Rushikulya river in Odisha as part of Operation Olivia

Concerning Operation Olivia:

What it entails: A prominent marine conservation program launched each year by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) from November to May to safeguard Olive Ridley turtles during their peak nesting period.

Entities Involved: Indian Coast Guard working together with State Pollution Control Boards, non-governmental organizations, and nearby fishing communities.

Goals:

• Avoid unauthorized fishing throughout the turtle nesting period.
• Guarantee secure nesting at Odisha’s major beaches (Gahirmatha, Rushikulya, Devi).
• Encourage fishing communities to utilize Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs).

Main Characteristics:

• 5,387+ ground patrol sorties and 1,768+ air missions since the beginning.
• Broad community engagement, educational initiatives, and agreements with NGOs.
• Utilization of contemporary monitoring systems and collaboration between agencies for enforcement.
• Concerning Olive Ridley Turtles:
• Scientific Name: Lepidochelys olivacea
• IUCN Status: At Risk

Habitat and Range:

Located in the warm waters of the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans.

Key nesting locations in India include Odisha (Gahirmatha, Rushikulya, Devi), Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Biological Characteristics:

Smallest species of sea turtle, reaching up to 45 kg, olive-hued, heart-shaped shell.

Arribada (mass nesting): Numerous turtles lay eggs at the same time, particularly between November and April.

Omnivorous diet: Consumes crustaceans, jellyfish, algae, and molluscs.