The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
NEW DELHI, MAY 19, 2025
In a significant milestone for marine conservation, the Indian Coast Guard’s (ICG) annual initiative, Operation Olivia, has successfully protected over 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles that nested at the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha during February 2025. The operation, conducted each year from November to May, plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe nesting of these endangered turtles, particularly along Gahirmatha Beach and other key coastal areas of Odisha, which witness the arrival of more than eight lakh turtles annually.
The record mass nesting this year at Rushikulya highlights the ICG’s unwavering commitment to the protection of Olive Ridley turtles. Through sustained surface and aerial surveillance, along with robust community outreach, the operation has helped mitigate threats such as illegal fishing and habitat disruption. Since the launch of Operation Olivia, the ICG has conducted over 5,387 surface patrol sorties and 1,768 aerial surveillance missions. These efforts have led to the detention of 366 boats engaged in illegal fishing activities, reinforcing the ICG’s role in safeguarding marine ecosystems.
Beyond enforcement, the ICG has actively collaborated with local fishing communities to promote the use of Turtle Excluder Devices, fostering more sustainable fishing practices. The Coast Guard has also partnered with NGOs through formal Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to support community education and long-term conservation goals.
