Kendrapada: The forest department has established eight sea turtle hatcheries along the coast of Gahirmatha marine sanctuary, which is the world’s largest rookery of Olive Ridley sea turtles, to protect eggs from predators, poachers and environmental threats.
The hatcheries, located at Habalikhati, Talang, Ramatara, Hawakhana, Sandhakuda, Babubali, Ekakula and Madali beach, are covered with protective plastic nets. “Forest officials collect and safeguard turtle eggs during sporadic nesting periods, with hatchlings emerging after approximately 45 days,” Manas Das, forest range officer of the sanctuary, said.
Recent sporadic nesting has already begun, with approximately 120 turtles laying eggs at Nasi-1, Nasi-2 and Babubali islands. This follows a successful nesting period earlier this month when 301,159 Olive Ridley sea turtles laid eggs between April 2 and 7 last year.
The forest department has initiated training programs for personnel and locals on turtle biology, conservation and hatchery management. “We carefully assess the need to relocate nests based on various risk factors,” Das added.
To protect these endangered marine species, the govt has implemented a seven-month fishing ban from November 1 to May 31. “We have arrested 180 marine fishermen and seized 27 fishing vessels for illegal fishing activities since November 1,” Das added.
Hemant Rout, secretary of Gahirmatha Marine Turtle and Mangrove Conservation Society, suggests expanding the hatchery program to Pentha, Siali and Paradip beaches. However, tourism development faces challenges due to the nearby Abdul Kalam Island missile test range.
The sanctuary, established in 1997, remains a crucial conservation site for Olive Ridley sea turtles. Forest officials maintain high alert as more turtles are expected to arrive for nesting in the coming weeks.