The olive ridley turtle, known for its remarkable nesting patterns along the coasts of India, is currently facing threats from illegal fishing operations and habitat destruction. To combat these challenges, the Indian Coast Guard has initiated ‘Operation Olivia’ at Paradip, Odisha. This significant operation aims to safeguard these vulnerable turtles during their nesting period and employs advanced technology, including drones and Dornier aircraft, for effective surveillance of the coastal waters.
Under Operation Olivia, fast patrol vessels and interceptor crafts are deployed for round-the-clock monitoring, ensuring the protection of olive ridley turtles. These efforts are complemented by the enforcement of strict bans on illegal trawling, as mandated by the Orissa Marine Fisheries Act. Fishing boats operating within the region are now required to install ‘Turtle Excluder Devices’ (TEDs), allowing turtles to escape and nest safely. This collaborative operation involves the Indian Coast Guard working alongside the State Fisheries and Forest Departments to educate local fishing communities about the importance of turtle conservation.
Meanwhile, the coastline of Goa is facing its own battle to protect these marine creatures. A recent legal update revealed 67 illegal business establishments were operating on Agonda Beach, which serves as a seasonal nesting site for olive ridley turtles. The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) identified these establishments and issued show cause notices to their operators for illegal operations, prompting action from the local authorities.
The Bombay High Court has intervened, directing government authorities to expedite the processing of these notices. During the proceedings, petitioner Aman Gupta emphasized the need to keep structures away from the delicate nesting areas of the turtles, advocating for the protection of these ecosystems. Advocate General Devidas Pangam clarified to the court, stating, "No structures should be allowed near the turtle nesting site at Agonda Beach," highlighting the legal nuances surrounding beach development and its impact on the turtles.
Further discussions revealed the intricacies of legal and environmental regulations, with Pangam explaining, "Certain structures had been authorized under legal provisions, but the 67 establishments identified by the GCZMA had not received such permissions." This clarification seeks to protect the established nesting zones by asserting legal authority over unauthorized constructions.
On the other hand, the coastal taluks of Uttara Kannada district are witnessing positive developments for olive ridley turtle nesting. Reports indicate a noticeable increase of nesting activities this season, particularly along the shores of Karnataka, including Udupi, Mangaluru, and the beaches of Karwar. Shanawaz Rafiq, Senior Research Fellow with the Coastal and Marine Ecosystem Cell, reported, "This is for the first time so many nests have been found on the Ravindranath Tagore beach. Last year, we found six nests," showing significant growth and awareness surrounding turtle conservation efforts.
Ravindranath Tagore Beach has particularly emerged as a key area for nesting, rescuing and protecting about 15 nests this season. Over the years, turtle conservation efforts have progressively expanded in Karwar, with reports showing nesting numbers growing from 14 nests to as many as 128 nests last year. Ravishankar, DCF of Karwar, recognized the remarkable rise, stating, "Turtle conservation started 4-5 years ago... now roughly it is 100," reflecting the effectiveness of local conservation programs and initiatives.
The synergy between local governance, legal regulations, and community engagement appears to play a pivotal role in bolstering turtle population recovery efforts along India’s coasts. At the moment, conservationists are hopeful as the nesting season progresses, with predictions hinting at possible outcomes exceeding 200 nests this year.
Conclusively, as olive ridley turtles continue to brave both natural and human-induced challenges, initiatives like Operation Olivia and the legal scrutiny of unauthorized developments along nesting beaches represent significant steps toward their preservation. The knowledge gained from successful nesting seasons indicates not only the resilience of these turtles but also the growing commitment of various stakeholders, to maintain and protect the fragile ecosystems they depend on.