In a major boost to marine conservation, the Indian Coast Guard’s (ICG) annual mission ‘Operation Olivia’ helped protect a record of over 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles nested at the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha during February 2025. Conducted annually from November to May, Operation Olivia is an important initiative of the ICG aimed at ensuring safe nesting grounds for Olive Ridley turtles particularly at Gahirmatha Beach and surrounding coastal areas of Odisha, which see the arrival of over eight lakh turtles each year. The record mass nesting at the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha stands as a testament to the ICG’s sustained efforts in safeguarding the endangered species through rigorous patrolling, aerial surveillance, and community engagement.
Since the inception of Operation Olivia, ICG has carried out over 5,387 surface patrol sorties & 1,768 aerial surveillance missions, significantly reducing threats such as illegal fishing and habitat disruption. During this period, 366 boats involved in illegal fishing were detained, reaffirming the ICG’s strong enforcement role in protecting marine life. Apart from surveillance, ICG has actively worked with local fishing communities by promoting the use of Turtle Excluder Devices and partnering with NGOs through formal MoUs to support sustainable fishing practices and conservation education.
Why in News?
Recently, the traditional Chinese sky lantern festival has sparked outrage among environmentalists and wildlife conservationists as it was scheduled near a nesting site of the endangered Olive Ridley turtles.
As per environmentalists, the bamboo or metal wire frame of these lanterns takes months to decompose and acts as a trap for wildlife, fish, dolphins, birds, and turtles.
What are Olive Ridley Turtles?
These turtles are carnivores and get their name from their olive-coloured carapace. They are best known for their unique mass nesting called Arribada, where thousands of females come together on the same beach to lay eggs.
They are found in warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian oceans. Odisha’s Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary is known as the world’s largest rookery (a colony of breeding animals) of sea turtles.
Operation Olivia
Every year, the Indian Coast Guard’s “Operation Olivia”, initiated in the early 1980s, helps protect Olive Ridley turtles as they congregate along the Odisha coast for breeding and nesting between November and December.
