In a remarkable achievement for marine conservation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has successfully facilitated the safe nesting of approximately 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley sea turtles along Odisha’s coastline under the annual “Operation Olivia” initiative. This year’s operation, which spanned the critical nesting period from November 2024 to May 2025, highlights India’s ongoing commitment to preserving its rich biodiversity and protecting endangered species.
Launched in the early 1980s, Operation Olivia is a flagship marine conservation program aimed at safeguarding Olive Ridley turtles during their annual arribada, or mass nesting, on the shores of Gahirmatha, Devi River mouth, and Rushikulya in Odisha. The operation involves a multi-agency effort, with the Indian Coast Guard working in collaboration with the Odisha Forest Department, Indian Navy, and several conservation NGOs.
🛡️ Coordinated Protection Across the Coastline
Throughout the nesting season, the ICG deployed five ships and two Dornier aircraft to monitor and patrol Odisha’s 1,482 km coastline. These assets helped detect illegal trawling activities and prevented poaching and accidental turtle deaths caused by fishing gear. The Coast Guard also installed Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) and Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) to track fishing vessels and ensure compliance with turtle-exclusion zone regulations.
According to ICG officials, the strategic deployment of patrolling units and continuous aerial surveillance significantly reduced human interference and marine pollution during the critical nesting window. The successful rescue of over 20 stranded turtles and the interception of four unauthorized fishing boats further demonstrated the operation’s effectiveness.
🌊 Record-Breaking Nesting and Environmental Significance
The nesting of nearly 7 lakh turtles this year marks one of the highest counts in recent decades, reaffirming Odisha’s status as one of the world’s largest mass nesting sites for Olive Ridley turtles. This ecological milestone is crucial, as Olive Ridleys are listed as “Vulnerable” under the IUCN Red List and protected under Schedule I of India’s Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Conservationists noted that favorable weather conditions, improved public awareness, and enhanced monitoring contributed to this year’s success. “The synergy between defense forces and environmental bodies under Operation Olivia has created a safer ecosystem for these turtles,” said a senior forest official from the Odisha Forest Department.
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📘 Future Roadmap and Global Recognition
India’s efforts under Operation Olivia have earned global praise, particularly from environmental organizations and UN conservation bodies. Moving forward, the government plans to expand the scope of the operation to include more coastal states and integrate satellite tracking technologies to further minimize threats to marine wildlife.
Environmental experts advocate for greater community participation and the strengthening of legal frameworks to ensure the sustainability of turtle conservation efforts. As the world grapples with biodiversity loss and climate change, initiatives like Operation Olivia underscore the critical role of conservation in ensuring ecological balance and long-term resilience.
🔚 Conclusion
The 2025 edition of Operation Olivia stands as a testament to India’s enduring commitment to marine conservation. By protecting nearly 700,000 Olive Ridley turtles, the initiative not only supports the survival of an endangered species but also reinforces the importance of collaborative, science-backed conservation strategies in safeguarding the planet’s natural heritage.
