Coast Guard’s ‘Operation Olivia’ helps in record Ridley nesting | Bhubaneswar News
Bhubaneswar: Indian Coast Guard‘s (ICG) ‘Operation Olivia‘ facilitated the safe nesting of over 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles at the Rushikulya river mouth in Ganjam district during Feb, officers said.Operation Olivia, the Coast Guard’s annual conservation initiative running from Nov to May, was instrumental in protecting the endangered species at their primary nesting grounds along the coastline, particularly at Gahirmatha beach in Kendrapada district.Gahirmatha beach welcomes around 8 lakh Olive Ridley turtles annually. Coast Guard’s comprehensive approach includes extensive patrolling, with over 5,387 surface patrol sorties and 1,768 aerial surveillance missions conducted since the operation’s inception.These efforts led to the detention of 366 vessels engaged in illegal fishing, significantly reducing threats to the turtle population. “This achievement reflects ICG’s commitment to marine conservation,” a statement from the defence ministry read.It said the Coast Guard also fostered partnerships with local fishing communities and NGOs, promoting the use of turtle excluder devices and sustainable fishing practices. The collaborative efforts played a crucial role in creating a safer environment for the Olive Ridley turtles.The statement said the record-breaking nesting season not only highlights the success of Operation Olivia but also demonstrates the positive impact of sustained conservation efforts on marine biodiversity.
