Olive Ridley Turtles Return to Odisha's Gahirmatha Beach for Record Mass Nesting

Gahirmatha beach in Odisha witnessed a remarkable mass nesting of Olive Ridley sea turtles with over 600,000 appearing to lay eggs. This natural event, called 'arribada', draws attention due to the turtles' return to Eakakulanasi Island after 33 years, facilitated by improved beach conditions.

In an extraordinary natural spectacle, over 600,000 endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles arrived at Gahirmatha beach in Odisha's Kendrapara district for their annual nesting season. The event, known as 'arribada', saw these turtles swarm the beach from March 5 to March 9 to lay eggs in what is considered the largest-known nesting ground for this species globally.

The return of the turtles to Eakakulanasi Island, after a 33-year hiatus, was a highlight this year, thanks to the beach's improved conditions following a natural accretion process. Officials noted that such geographical improvements have created the ideal setting for the turtles' mass nesting, free from the threats of human disturbance and sea erosion.

After laying approximately 120 to 150 eggs each, the female turtles completed their instinctive task and returned to the sea. In about 45 to 60 days, the eggs will hatch, introducing a new generation of Olive Ridley turtles into the world, continuing a delicate and fascinating natural process of marine life.