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Odisha’s Gahirmatha Beach in Kendrapara district hosts the world’s largest nesting site for Olive Ridley turtles, with over 500,000 turtles arriving annually. Spanning 1,435 square kilometres within the Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary, this UNESCO-noted ecosystem combines mangrove forests, mild ocean currents, and undisturbed sandy shores in what is a perfect recipe for mass nesting.
Why Turtles Choose Gahirmatha
Olive Ridleys exhibit natal homing, returning to their birthplace to nest. Gahirmatha’s unique geography ensures their loyalty:
1. Ideal Topography: Wide, erosion-free beaches with optimal sand texture and temperature (28–32°C) for egg incubation.
2. Isolation: Minimal human disturbance due to sanctuary protections and seasonal fishing bans (November–May).
3. Rich Marine Diet: Bay of Bengal waters teem with jellyfish and crustaceans, fueling turtles pre-nesting.
4. Ocean Currents: Calm tidal patterns ease shoreline access for nesting and hatchling entry into the sea.
In 2025, over 1.7 lakh turtles nested at Ekakulanasi Island here after a 33-year hiatus, thanks to natural beach restoration.
Odisha: A Global Leader in Turtle Conservation
Odisha has emerged as a global leader in turtle conservation through proactive and innovative measures that set a benchmark for marine conservation efforts. Since 1991, initiatives by the Indian Coast Guard have actively curbed illegal trawling, while the mandatory use of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in fishing nets has significantly reduced bycatch deaths by 80%.
The state also supports over 3,660 fishing families with an annual compensation of Rs 15,000 during fishing bans, fostering community participation in conservation. Additionally, beach safeguards include 62 patrol camps, GPS-tracked vessels, and the annual removal of over two tonnes of plastic waste. Further showcasing Odisha's success, Rushikulya Beach hosted the nesting of about 7 lakh turtles in 2025, exemplifying the state’s adaptive conservation strategies even amidst challenges like coastal erosion.
The Arribada Phenomenon
Gahirmatha is famed for arribada (Spanish for arrival) where thousands of females synchronize nesting over days. Triggered by lunar cycles and magnetic fields, this spectacle sees each turtle lay 120 to 150 eggs. After 45 to 50 days, hatchlings emerge, guided by moonlight to the sea.
ALSO READ: Why Olive Ridley Turtles Choose Odisha: Secrets of Gahirmatha and Rushikulya’s Arribada
Despite climate threats and past poaching, Gahirmatha’s success lies in balancing ecology and livelihoods. With 98% of the sanctuary as protected waters, Odisha remains a beacon of hope for these vulnerable marvels.
