Watch: Indian Coast Guard shares clips from ‘Operation Olivia,’ highlights Odisha’s Gahirmatha

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) shared compelling video footage from ‘Operation Olivia’, its long-standing marine conservation initiative aimed at protecting Olive Ridley turtles along India’s eastern coast.

The clips spotlighted the scale and intensity of ICG’s efforts in patrolling and monitoring the Odisha coast, with special emphasis on Gahirmatha Beach, the world’s largest nesting site for these vulnerable marine reptiles.

Operation Olivia: Legacy and Impact

Launched in the early 1980s, Operation Olivia plays a pivotal role in safeguarding this fragile marine ecosystem.

From November to May, ICG deploys fast patrol vessels, interceptor boats, air cushion crafts, and Dornier aircraft to monitor nesting areas, prevent illegal fishing, and enforce conservation laws, where surveillance is coordinated closely with the Odisha Forest Department and local authorities.

The operation also has a strong community engagement component, educating local fishing communities on the ecological and legal imperatives of conservation. These efforts are crucial in tackling threats like accidental entanglement in nets, illegal poaching, and coastal pollution.

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Gahirmatha: A Global Nesting Sanctuary

Situated in Kendrapara district, Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 1,435 sq km and serves as the principal nesting ground for Olive Ridley turtles.

Each year, over 500,000 turtles descend upon its shores for mass nesting, a rare natural phenomenon known as Arribada, where thousands of females lay eggs synchronously.

In 2025, the sanctuary witnessed a remarkable resurgence, with 1.7 lakh turtles nesting at Ekakulanasi Island after 33 years, thanks to natural beach restoration and protection efforts.

The sanctuary’s ideal topography, wide, erosion-resistant beaches, calm ocean currents, and low human activity make it uniquely suited for turtle conservation. Gahirmatha’s ecological features, such as optimal sand temperatures and abundant marine prey, support both adult turtles and their hatchlings.

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Odisha’s Broader Conservation Framework

The Odisha government complements ICG efforts with strict regulations such as mandating all trawlers to use Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) and enforcing seasonal fishing bans near nesting beaches.

Remarkably, these initiatives have resulted in an estimated 80% reduction in bycatch deaths.

Odisha also supports over 3,600 fishing families with compensation during fishing bans to encourage community participation. With 62 patrol camps, GPS-tracked vessels, and annual clean-up drives removing over two tonnes of plastic, the state’s approach balances ecological needs with local livelihoods.