Olive Ridley turtles avoid Odisha's Gahirmatha beach amid nesting season, environmentalists express concern

Environmentalists are growing increasingly anxious as the Gahirmatha coastline in Odisha witnesses a surprising absence of Olive Ridley turtles during their prime nesting season this year. This unusual occurrence is prompting questions about the shifting environmental conditions affecting this world-renowned nesting site.

Delayed Arrival Raises Concerns

The Olive Ridley turtles, famed for their synchronous mass nesting called 'arribada', typically congregate at Gahirmatha beach between the second and third weeks of February. However, the year 2025 stands as an anomaly, with no turtles in sight as April approaches, causing concern among conservationists and the general public alike.

Environmental Factors at Play

Experts suggest that both natural and anthropogenic factors are influencing these changes. Coastal erosion exacerbated by high tides has led to a reduction in suitable nesting grounds. Climate change could also be impacting turtle behaviours, potentially shifting their longstanding migratory paths.

Human-induced Ecological Strains

According to experts, pollution along the Gahirmatha shoreline, continued encroachment of sandy beaches, and unregulated fishing activities within restricted zones are further deterring the turtles. 

"Once Gahirmatha was famous in the world for the nesting of Olive Ridley turtles. However, it is quite unfortunate that Olive Ridley turtles have not turned out at Gahirmatha beach yet," said environmentalist Pradeep Nayak.

"Pollution along the Gahirmatha shoreline, continued encroachment of sandy beaches, and unregulated fishing activities are the main reasons why Olive Ridley turtles have not turned out this year," rued environmentalist Bijay Kabi.

Despite these challenges, Odisha's Forest Department remains optimistic, projecting that nesting might commence within the coming days, as reflected by trends from last year when the nesting occurred in early April.

Must Read: Olive Ridley turtles break nesting records at Odisha’s Rushikulya Beach

"Last year nesting took place at Gahirmatha after 10-12 days, it occurred at Rushikulya. We are hopeful that nesting may take place at Gahirmatha in the next 8-10 days. The congregation of turtles at the nesting island is very good. They may be waiting for the proper timing," said Rajnagar Divisional Forest Officer Sudarshan Gopinath Jadhav.

Comparative Nesting Patterns

Interestingly, Ganjam district's Rushikulya rookery recorded a significant turnout last month, with around 7,00,000 Olive Ridley turtles nesting, marking a record for the Odisha coastline. This shift in nesting preference raises questions about the future viability of Gahirmatha.

Historically, since 1975 when Olive Ridley turtles first began nesting at Gahirmatha, and especially following its designation as a marine sanctuary in 1997, fishing within a 20 km radius of the shoreline has been strictly controlled. However, data indicating a preference for Rushikulya over Gahirmatha has emerged, with only 3,00,000 turtles visiting Gahirmatha last year compared to 500,000 in the previous nesting season.