New Delhi– In a significant victory for marine conservation, the Indian Coast Guard’s annual initiative, Operation Olivia, has played a vital role in safeguarding over 698,000 Olive Ridley turtles during their nesting season at the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha this February, an official confirmed on Monday.
Conducted each year from November to May, Operation Olivia is a flagship conservation effort led by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), aimed at protecting Olive Ridley turtles—an endangered species—during their mass nesting along Odisha’s coastline, particularly at Gahirmatha Beach and other nearby sites. These coastal areas annually attract more than 800,000 turtles for nesting.
The record number of successful nestings at the Rushikulya site stands as a testament to the Coast Guard’s persistent efforts, which include rigorous surface patrolling, aerial surveillance, and active community engagement.
Since the inception of Operation Olivia, the ICG has executed more than 5,387 surface patrol sorties and 1,768 aerial surveillance missions. These efforts have significantly reduced threats to the turtles, such as illegal fishing, poaching, and habitat disturbances.
During this season alone, the Coast Guard detained 366 boats engaged in unlawful fishing activities—underscoring the force’s robust enforcement capabilities in preserving marine biodiversity.
Beyond enforcement, the ICG has also focused on community collaboration. It has worked closely with local fishing communities to promote the use of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) and has partnered with NGOs through formal Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to advocate for sustainable fishing practices and provide conservation education.
In a separate incident over the weekend, maritime security was heightened off India’s west coast after a suspicious unidentified vessel was spotted approximately 22 nautical miles off the Jafrabad coast in Gujarat. The sighting triggered an extensive search operation by the Coast Guard, the Indian Navy, and marine police.
Alert fishermen were the first to notice the unfamiliar boat behaving erratically. They quickly relayed the information via wireless communication to their boat captain, who informed the Jafrabad Boat Association. The association immediately contacted the ICG.
A Coast Guard helicopter was dispatched to investigate. According to initial reports, the vessel, which seemed to be headed toward Daman, abruptly changed course and attempted to flee once the aerial team approached.
Fishermen who witnessed the event reported seeing individuals aboard the boat, raising additional concern. Kanaiyalal Solanki, president of the Jafrabad Boat Association, confirmed that local fishermen are actively assisting authorities and maintaining heightened vigilance at sea. (Source: IANS)
