Operation Olivia: Indian Coast Guard Assists in Protecting Over 698,000 Olive Ridley Turtles Along Odisha Coast

New Delhi: In a bid to promote marine conservation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), under its annual mission Operation Olivia, helped protect over 698,000 Olive Ridley turtle nests at the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha during February 2025. Conducted annually from November to May, Operation Olivia is a key initiative of the ICG aimed at ensuring safe nesting grounds for Olive Ridley turtles, especially around Gahirmatha beach and other coastal regions of Odisha, which witness the arrival of more than 800,000 turtles each year. The record mass nesting at Rushikulya river mouth stands as a testament to the ICG’s sustained efforts to safeguard this endangered species through rigorous patrolling, aerial surveillance, and community involvement.

Since its inception, Operation Olivia has involved more than 5,387 surface patrol sorties and 1,768 aerial surveillance missions, significantly reducing threats such as illegal fishing and disturbances to turtle habitats. During this period, 366 boats involved in illegal fishing were detained, underscoring the Indian Coast Guard’s strong role in protecting marine life. In addition to surveillance, the ICG has actively engaged with local fishing communities — promoting the use of turtle excluder devices, supporting sustainable fishing practices, and collaborating with NGOs through formal Memorandums of Understanding to advance conservation education.