Operation Olivia: Safeguarding Odisha's Olive Ridley Sea Turtles

The Indian Coast Guard's 'Operation Olivia' aims to protect Olive Ridley sea turtles during their mass nesting in Odisha. The operation, which involves social awareness drives and restricting human interference, helps safeguard thousands of nests and eggs laid by these endangered species each season.

The Indian Coast Guard has embarked on its annual mission, 'Operation Olivia,' to safeguard the breeding of endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles along Odisha's coast. These turtles, which nest in millions from February to March, have already laid 5,55,638 eggs this year, showcasing the success of ongoing conservation efforts.

To protect nesting sites, conservationists have demarcated protected areas on Odisha's beaches, ensuring minimal human disturbance. The Coast Guard, in collaboration with local fisheries and forest departments, monitors these regions, conducts social awareness drives, and ensures compliance with the Wildlife Act, 1972.

ICG's deployment of ships and aircraft underscores its commitment to enforcing environmental preservation laws. By May 31, the operation aims to ensure safe nesting conditions, with the latest data revealing over 6,186 nests and around 5,56,638 eggs. Such efforts emphasize the critical role of coordinated conservation in protecting vulnerable marine species.