Odisha: Operation Olivia is the Indian Coast Guard’s annual conservation mission to protect endangered Olive Ridley turtles during their nesting season along the Odisha coast. The operation focuses on safeguarding nesting beaches, preventing illegal fishing, and ensuring a safe environment for one of the world’s largest mass turtle nesting events. According to the Indian Coast Guard, Gahirmatha Beach remains the main focus area for this mission.
What is Operation Olivia
Operation Olivia is conducted every year by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) between November and May, the period when Olive Ridley turtles arrive along Odisha’s coastline for nesting.
The mission includes continuous sea patrols, aerial surveillance, coordination with local authorities, and awareness campaigns to reduce threats to turtles and their nesting grounds.
Why Gahirmatha Beach Is Important
Gahirmatha Beach in Odisha is one of the world’s largest nesting grounds for Olive Ridley turtles. Every year, thousands of female turtles return to these beaches to lay eggs. Protecting this habitat is critical because Olive Ridley turtles are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, giving them the highest level of legal protection in India.
Operation Olivia: Indian Coast Guard’s Role
The Indian Coast Guard carries out:
- Regular sea and air surveillance.
- Action against illegal fishing near nesting sites.
- Protection of sensitive marine habitats.
- Awareness programmes with fishermen and coastal communities.
- Coordination with the Forest Department and other agencies.
These efforts help reduce disturbances during the nesting season and improve the survival chances of both eggs and hatchlings.
Major Conservation Success
Operation Olivia has delivered significant conservation results over the years. In 2025, the Indian Coast Guard announced that more than 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles nested successfully near the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha under the protection provided through Operation Olivia. Since the mission began, thousands of patrols and surveillance sorties have been conducted to safeguard the turtles.
Why Olive Ridley Turtles Need Protection
Olive Ridley turtles face several threats, including:
- Illegal fishing activities.
- Fishing nets that trap turtles.
- Habitat disturbance.
- Marine pollution.
- Coastal development.
Conservation initiatives like Operation Olivia help protect these endangered marine animals and preserve India’s coastal biodiversity.
