Olive ridley turtles in Odisha: State boosts coastal for nesting after record arribada and recent deaths

Amid preparations for the upcoming Olive Ridley mass nesting season, the Odisha government has directed the Forest Department to immediately reactivate coastal patrolling camps and intensify coordinated sea surveillance to ensure safe nesting of the endangered marine species. 

The decision follows a high-level review chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja and comes against the backdrop of recent reports of large-scale turtle mortality along parts of the state’s coastline.

Patrolling Camps Reactivated, Sea Surveillance Intensified

According to reports by The New Indian Express, the Chief Secretary called for seamless coordination among all concerned agencies during the mass nesting of sea turtles.

He directed that 67 patrolling camps across coastal divisions be made operational with adequate infrastructure, while also addressing the need for joint sea patrols involving the Forest Department, district administrations and marine enforcement agencies.

Record Nesting Numbers In 2024–25 Season

Data presented at the meeting highlighted a sharp rise in nesting during the last season. Around 15.11 lakh Olive Ridley turtles carried out mass nesting across Rushikulya and Gahirmatha during the 2024–25 season, with approximately 9.04 lakh turtles at Rushikulya and 6.07 lakh at Gahirmatha.

In comparison, about 11.49 lakh turtles nested at the two sites in 2022–23, while only 3.01 lakh were recorded along the Rushikulya coast in 2023–24.

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Recent Turtle Deaths Raise Concern

The renewed focus on protection follows the discovery earlier this month of hundreds of Olive Ridley carcasses along the Puri coast, stretching from Samuka beach to Baliharachandi. The sight of decomposing turtles triggered concern among local residents, fishermen and conservation groups.

Members of the Puri Trekking Club alleged delays in official response and claimed that the unregulated movement of fishing trawlers near breeding zones had contributed to the deaths. Fishermen in Baliharachandi also voiced apprehension, pointing to continued trawler activity despite seasonal fishing restrictions.

Following public criticism, forest officials said an investigation and post-mortem examinations would be conducted to ascertain the cause of death, though decomposition of several carcasses has limited definitive conclusions.