Why Olive Ridley Turtles Choose Odisha: Secrets of Gahirmatha and Rushikulya’s Arribada

Every year, between January and March, Odisha’s beaches transform into a natural wonder as thousands of Olive Ridley turtles crawl ashore under the moonlight. This synchronized mass nesting event, known as ‘arribada’ (Spanish for ‘arrival’), sees female turtles digging nests in the sand to lay eggs—a ritual that has been repeated for millennia. But what makes Gahirmatha and Rushikulya beaches in Odisha among the world’s largest nesting sites for these turtles?

Ideal Beaches, Ideal Conditions

Odisha’s coastline offers a rare combination of soft, sloping sands, minimal human activity, and warm temperatures—ideal conditions for incubating eggs. The beaches at Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary in Kendrapara, Rushikulya in Ganjam, and the Devi River Mouth in Jagatsinghpur district provide a safe nursery where hatchlings emerge after 45–60 days, guided by moonlight toward the sea.

The region’s ocean currents and abundant food sources like jellyfish and crabs also attract turtles migrating from as far as the Pacific and deep Indian Oceans. These factors make Odisha beaches a preferred destination for Olive Ridley turtles during their breeding season.

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

Olive Ridley Turtles: Nature’s Mysterious Navigators

Olive Ridley turtles are born navigators, returning to the exact beaches where they hatched—a phenomenon called site fidelity. This instinct, combined with environmental cues like lunar cycles and sand temperature, ensures they arrive en masse. Interestingly, the warmth of the sand not only hatches eggs but also determines the sex of the hatchlings. Cooler sands produce males, while warmer sands lead to the development of females.

Conservation Efforts in Odisha

To protect this ecological marvel, the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary was established in 1997. Fishing is banned within a 20-kilometre radius during the nesting season to prevent turtles from drowning in nets. Additionally, the Odisha Forest Department patrols beaches, fences nesting zones, and dims nearby lights to prevent disorienting hatchlings.

These conservation efforts for Olive Ridley turtles have been instrumental in safeguarding their populations, making Odisha a global leader in marine turtle protection.

Threats on the Horizon

Despite these successes, challenges remain. Coastal erosion is shrinking nesting spaces, while plastic pollution and oil spills deter turtles from returning. Moreover, climate change is likely disrupting migration timing, sometimes delaying arribadas. These threats highlight the urgent need for continued conservation efforts to protect this vulnerable species.

ALSO READ: Olive Ridley turtles break nesting records at Odisha’s Rushikulya Beach

A Global Treasure Worth Protecting

Globally classified as vulnerable, Olive Ridley turtles play a vital ecological role by controlling jellyfish populations. If left unchecked, an overabundance of jellyfish could destabilize marine food chains. While mass nesting sites exist in places like Mexico and Costa Rica, Odisha’s beaches remain critical, hosting over half a million turtles annually.

By protecting these nesting grounds, we ensure the survival of a species that connects ecosystems across oceans.