Preparations are in full swing at the Rushikulya rookery on the Odisha coast to accommodate and safeguard Olive Ridley Turtles during their mass nesting season. Known for being the smallest and most numerous of all sea turtles, they make a fascinating sight during their unique nesting event.
About Olive Ridley Turtles
Olive Ridley Turtles live primarily in the warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian oceans. Together with the Kemps Ridley Turtle, these creatures are famous for their remarkable mass nesting known as Arribada. During this event, thousands of turtles converge on the shore simultaneously to lay their eggs. Olive Ridleys are carnivorous in nature, feeding on a variety of marine life.
The largest mass nesting site for Olive Ridleys is found along the coast of Odisha in India, with Mexico and Costa Rica trailing behind.
Protection Status of Olive Ridley Turtles
Their vulnerable status, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), has resulted in strict protective measures being put into place. The Olive Ridley Turtles have been listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and are under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
Threats Faced by Olive Ridley Turtles
These turtles face numerous threats, chiefly due to unfriendly fishing practices. The accidental entrapment and subsequent killing of adult turtles in trawl nets and gill nets is prevalent. This happens during their mating season when uncontrolled fishing takes place around nesting beaches.
In response, the Odisha government has introduced regulations for trawls to use Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs). These nets are designed with an exit cover that enables turtles to escape while retaining the catch. However, this initiative has faced stiff opposition from fishing communities, who argue that TEDs result in significant loss of their catch.
Exploitation of nesting beaches for the construction of ports and tourist centres poses another serious threat to these creatures.
Rushikulya River
The Rushikulya River, originating from the Rushikulya hills of the Eastern Ghats in the Phulbani district of Odisha, provides a critical habitat for these turtles. The river, stretching 165 kilometers with a catchment area of 8900 sq.kms, covers the entire districts of Kandhamal and Ganjam. The Rushikulya rookery located on this river’s coast is an important breeding ground for the Olive Ridley Turtles, making it a crucial region for their conservation efforts.
