Operation Olivia Protects Nearly 7 Lakh Olive Ridley Turtles in Odisha

The Indian Coast Guard’s annual mission, Operation Olivia, helped protect over 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles. These turtles nested at the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha in February 2025.

What is Operation Olivia?

Operation Olivia runs every year from November to May. It protects the nesting sites of Olive Ridley turtles. The main areas are Gahirmatha Beach and nearby coastal regions in Odisha. Each year, over 8 lakh turtles come to these beaches to nest.

Conservation Efforts and Results

The large number of turtles nesting at Rushikulya shows the success of Operation Olivia. The Indian Coast Guard works hard to protect the turtles by:

Patrolling the waters regularly
Using aerial surveillance
Engaging with local communities

Since Operation Olivia started, the Coast Guard has done over 5,387 patrols by sea and 1,768 flights to watch the area. These efforts help stop threats like illegal fishing and damage to turtle habitats.

Enforcement and Community Support

During the mission, 366 boats involved in illegal fishing were caught and detained. The Coast Guard also teaches local fishermen to use Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs). They work with NGOs to promote safe fishing and raise awareness about turtle conservation.

Why Continued Protection Matters

This record shows that ongoing efforts work well to protect the turtles. It is important to keep monitoring and adapting the strategies to help Olive Ridley turtles survive long-term.

Key Nesting Areas at Risk

Odisha’s Gahirmatha Beach is a key place for Olive Ridley turtles. These turtles face dangers from illegal fishing, getting caught in nets, and habitat loss. The Indian Coast Guard’s Operation Olivia plays a vital role in keeping these turtles safe.