Odisha’s Olive Ridley conservation efforts bear fruit with record nesting at Ganjam’s Rushikulya beach

More than 7,00,000 Olive Ridley turtles have arrived at Rushikulya beach in Ganjam district in the last one week, creating a record-breaking nesting event. This remarkable number exceeds the earlier figure by over 60,000, marking Rushikulya as a favoured site for these marine creatures over other locations like Gahirmatha and Bhitarkanika.

Officials attribute this success to favourable conditions and extensive preparation by the Odisha Forest Department. A combination of post-full moon coastal winds and exceptionally soft sand, free from rain-induced hardening, have created an ideal environment for nesting. This year, additional measures have been put in place to preserve this environment, including a ban on fishing up to 20 kilometres off the coast.

Safeguarding the hatchlings

To ensure the safety of turtle eggs, the Forest Department has been reportedly conducting continuous surveillance along the beach. Olive Ridleys lay approximately 100 to 110 eggs per nesting, and the hatchlings are expected to emerge in 50 to 60 days. This event is anticipated to draw substantial attention when it occurs, as myriad young turtles will make their inaugural journey to the ocean.

“The mass nesting continued for seven to eight days this year. Record numbers of Olive Ridley turtles have flocked to Rushikulya beach this time,” said Berhampur DFO Sunny Khokhar.

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Efforts to minimise light pollution

Conservation strategies have also focused on mitigating light pollution, allowing turtles to nest without unnecessary disturbances. The success of these strategies is evident in the recorded number of arrivals.

The efforts at Rushikulya highlight effective conservation practices that have been implemented to protect and sustain the population of Olive Ridley turtles along India’s eastern coast.

“The conditions for the mass nesting of the endangered turtles were very much suitable this year. A combination of post-full moon coastal winds and exceptionally soft sand, free from rain-induced hardening, have created an ideal environment for the mass nesting on Rushikulya beach,” said former Wildlife PCCF Susanta Nanda.

“The mortality rate of the turtles has reduced drastically. They are safe and secure this year. We are expecting that the hatching will also be smooth like the mass nesting on Rushikulya beach. Hopefully, they will return to the beach next year also,” said environmentalist Shibram Panigrahi.