Olive Ridley Sea Turtles Begin Sporadic Nesting at World's Largest Rookery in Gahirmatha
In a promising development for wildlife conservation, the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles have commenced their sporadic nesting activities at Gahirmatha beach in Kendrapada, Odisha. This location is recognized globally as the world's largest rookery for these marine creatures. Forest Range Officer Kapilendra Pradhan confirmed on Tuesday that approximately 40 turtles have laid eggs over the past three days at the Nasi-1 and Nasi-2 islands within the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary.
Forest Department on High Alert with Protective Measures
Forest officials are maintaining a state of high vigilance as they anticipate the arrival of more turtles for nesting in the coming weeks. To safeguard the precious eggs from natural predators including dogs, jackals, wild boars, and various bird species, the department has established specialized hatcheries at multiple beach locations: Aagarnasi, Pentha, Madali, and Babubali.
Forest guards are actively collecting eggs from natural nesting pits and carefully transferring them to these secured hatcheries. All hatchery sites have been fortified with plastic netting to prevent predator intrusion, ensuring maximum protection for the developing turtle embryos.
Mass Arribada Expected Within Weeks
Officer Pradhan indicated that this initial sporadic nesting suggests the mass nesting phenomenon, known as arribada, might commence earlier than usual this year, potentially within the next two to three weeks. This prediction is based on observed patterns and historical data from the region.
During the previous nesting season, an impressive 606,933 Olive Ridley turtles nested at Gahirmatha between March 5 and March 10, 2025. This spectacular natural event remains one of the most remarkable wildlife spectacles on the planet and was the primary reason the Government of India declared Gahirmatha a marine sanctuary back in 1997.
Stringent Fishing Ban and Enforcement Actions
To provide comprehensive protection for the endangered species, the government has implemented a stringent seven-month fishing ban effective from November 1 to May 31 each year. Since the current ban period began on November 1, enforcement officials have already arrested 337 marine fishermen and confiscated 37 fishing vessels, including boats originating from West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh, for conducting illegal fishing operations within the sanctuary boundaries.
The department has also seized 307.25 quintals of fish valued at approximately 39 lakh rupees from the intercepted vessels, demonstrating the serious economic and ecological consequences of violating the protective regulations.
Additional Conservation Initiatives
In a supportive conservation measure, the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has recently switched off bright lights at the Integrated Missile Testing Centre located on Abdul Kalam Island. Artificial illumination near coastal areas can severely disorient both nesting female turtles and emerging hatchlings, leading them away from the ocean and toward dangerous areas.
Furthermore, the forest department has clearly demarcated the sanctuary boundaries by installing 14 floating buoys across the extensive marine protected area. This sanctuary encompasses 1,435 square kilometers, extending 20 kilometers from the coastline between Hukitola and Dhamra, creating a clearly defined zone where protective measures are strictly enforced.
The commencement of Olive Ridley nesting at Gahirmatha represents a critical period for conservation efforts in Odisha, with multiple agencies collaborating to ensure the survival and prosperity of this endangered marine species during their vulnerable reproductive phase.
