Guardians of the Tide: Olive Ridley Turtles Begin Annual Mating Ritual in Odisha

The mating season of Olive Ridley turtles is underway near Rushikulya river mouth, Odisha. Authorities have increased patrols to prevent poaching. Last year, over 9 lakh turtles nested in the area. The forest department is coordinating with fishermen to ensure safe nesting and has imposed a fishing ban during this period.

The Olive Ridley turtles have started their annual mating season along the coast near the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha's Ganjam district, prompting officials to step up patrols and ward off potential poachers.

Sunny Khokkar, the Berhampur Divisional Forest Officer, observed an increasing number of turtle pairs gathering, predicting that mating activities will intensify by late December. Following a 45-day incubation period, female turtles will lay eggs in sandy nests before retreating to the sea, with hatchlings due 45-50 days later.

Last season saw more than 9.04 lakh turtles engaged in mass nesting across a seven-kilometer beach stretch, with significant nesting phases in February and March. To safeguard this vital activity, patrols are closely monitoring the area, having already intercepted and seized illegal fishing trawlers. The local forest department has engaged fishermen in discussions, aiming for cooperation during this sensitive period, as the government enforces a fishing ban to protect the turtles.

(With inputs from agencies.)