The mass nesting of Olive Ridley turtles, also known as ‘Arribada’, occurred a month earlier than last year’s mass nesting. The reason for this early nesting is unknown, but experts suggest that suitable climatic and beach conditions, such as the softness of the sand and more space on the beach, could be the reasons for the earlier arrival. Olive Ridley turtles belong to the Cheloniidae family and are the second-smallest and most abundant sea turtle in the world. They are found in warm and tropical waters, particularly in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. To protect the turtles during the nesting period, the Odisha government imposed a ban on fishing activities on the beach. The ban is aimed at protecting the turtles from accidental fishing and also from being hit by trawlers that are fishing in the area. The state government has also been taking other measures to protect the turtles, such as ensuring the lighting on the beaches is minimal so as not to distract the turtles from nesting.
Arribada and Conservation Efforts
Arribada is a Spanish word that means “arrival.” It is a unique phenomenon where thousands of female turtles emerge from the sea and come ashore to lay their eggs. The mass nesting event can last from a few days to several weeks. During the process, the female turtles lay their eggs in a single pit and then return to the sea, leaving the eggs to hatch and the baby turtles to make their way back to the water.
The Olive Ridley turtles classification
The Olive Ridley turtles are classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their populations are declining, and they face numerous threats, including egg poaching, bycatch, habitat loss, and plastic pollution. The turtles are also at risk from climate change, which can affect the temperature of the sand, causing the sex ratio of hatchlings to skew towards one gender.
The Odisha government has been taking various measures to protect the turtles, and the early nesting this year is a positive sign. The ban on fishing activities during the nesting period has been effective in protecting the turtles from accidental fishing. The government is also working to reduce plastic pollution in the area and to provide a suitable environment for the turtles to nest.