In a spectacular natural event, thousands of Olive Ridley turtles have arrived at the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha’s Ganjam district for their annual mass nesting, known as Arribada. This year’s nesting began on February 16, and is expected to continue until February 25. Olive Ridley turtles are known to return to the same beach where they were born. Interestingly, last year, the turtles skipped mass nesting at Rushikulya.
If reports are to go by, over 6.82 lakh turtles have laid eggs along the Odisha coastline, breaking the 2023 record of 6.37 lakh. This marks a significant rise from 2022’s 5.50 lakh turtles.
Why is this creating such a buzz? To be able to observe turtle nesting during daytime is a rare phenomenon. The turtles usually follow the nocturnal pattern.
Why are more turtles nesting this year?
Experts believe that favorable weather conditions have played a key role in the record-breaking turnout. According to researchers, the rise in nesting numbers is linked to improved climate conditions, which have provided an ideal environment for the turtles. Reports also indicate that this year's timely nesting could lead to higher hatchling success rates.
Turtle conservation efforts
To ensure the safety of the nesting turtles and their eggs, authorities have ramped up conservation efforts. A 9-kilometre protective fencing has been installed from New Podampeta to Prayagi. This measure aims to safeguard the eggs from predators and human disturbances.
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Meanwhile, the Indian Coast Guard has intensified Operation Olivia, a dedicated conservation initiative that has been protecting Olive Ridley turtles since 1991. Additionally, scientists from the Zoological Survey of India have been monitoring the turtles closely. As per reports, over 330 GPS-tagged turtles, tracked from 2021 to 2023, have been recaptured to study their migration patterns and nesting habits.
This year’s successful mass nesting in Odisha highlights the importance of sustained conservation efforts. As lakhs of baby turtles are expected to hatch in the coming weeks, experts stress the need for continued protection to ensure these ancient mariners thrive for generations to come.