In February 2025, as part of its yearly Operation Olivia, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully saved over 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles at the mouth of the Rushikulya river in Odisha, marking a major accomplishment in the field of marine conservation. By providing safe egg-laying locations for the species during their yearly breeding season, this initiative demonstrates India’s strong commitment to preserving maritime biodiversity. Since Olive Ridley turtles are regarded as a threatened species worldwide, this conservation effort is a praiseworthy move on a global scale.
Why was it in the news?
On May 19, 2025, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) declared that over 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles had been successfully rescued at the mouth of the Rushikulya River in Odisha in February 2025 as part of its yearly mission Operation Olivia. This accomplishment demonstrates India’s dedication to the preservation of marine biodiversity.
Objectives and objectives
The primary goal is to make sure Olive Ridley turtles nest safely.- Threat prevention is the process of lowering hazards like habitat destruction and illicit fishing.It’s
- NGOs, local fishermen, and the promotion of sustainable fishing methods like Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) are all examples of community involvement.
Context and application
began operations in the early 1980s.Aside from that,- Time Period: Annually operated from November until May.
Important locations include patrolling and keeping an eye on the turtle egg-laying season in Gahirmatha, the Rushikulya river estuary, and other Odisha coastal areas. The Indian Coast Guard’s Operation Olivia: A Marine Conservation Success.
Key Accomplishments in 2025
In February 2025, 6.98 lakh turtles were guaranteed to be safe in Rushikulya.
1,768 airborne surveillance missions and 5,387 surface patrol activities have been carried out thus far.
A total of 366 illicit fishing vessels were confiscated.It’s
A number of NGOs signed memorandums of understanding to operate conservation and education initiatives.There are
Tech and community projects
encouraging fisherman to utilize TEDs.
campaigns to raise awareness in the neighborhood and encourage sustainable living.
Turtles are now being geotagged to track their movements in cooperation with governments like Karnataka.