NEW DELHI: In a significant stride toward marine conservation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has successfully protected over 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles at the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha during the 2025 nesting season, under its annual campaign ‘Operation Olivia’.
Launched annually from November to May, Operation Olivia plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the mass nesting sites of these endangered sea turtles, especially along Gahirmatha Beach and adjacent coastal stretches in Odisha. These shores collectively witness the arrival of over eight lakh Olive Ridley turtles every year, making them one of the largest mass nesting grounds in the world.
The record nesting numbers reported in February 2025 at Rushikulya are being seen as a direct result of ICG’s intensified patrolling, aerial surveillance, and collaboration with local communities. The Coast Guard’s persistent efforts have not only deterred illegal activities but have also ensured safe nesting environments critical for the survival of the species.
Key Highlights of Operation Olivia:
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5,387 surface patrol sorties and 1,768 aerial surveillance missions have been conducted since the operation’s inception.
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The ICG has detained 366 boats involved in illegal fishing, significantly reducing threats to turtle habitats.
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The Coast Guard has promoted Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) among fishing communities to prevent accidental turtle deaths.
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Partnerships with NGOs and formal MoUs have supported sustainable fishing practices and awareness programs at the grassroots level.
This coordinated conservation effort reflects the ICG’s unwavering commitment to protecting India’s rich marine biodiversity. With increased nesting numbers this year, Operation Olivia stands as a model for balancing environmental stewardship and maritime enforcement.
The success of the 2025 operation underscores the importance of sustained action and community engagement in conserving the Olive Ridley turtles, a species protected under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act and listed as ‘Vulnerable’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
