The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has undertaken a study to tag Olive Ridley turtles at three mass nesting sites – Gahirmatha, Devi River mouth, and Rushikulya. This exercise marks a significant return after approximately 25 years, with around 1,556 turtles tagged in January 2021 in Odisha.
The Significance of Tagging
Metal tags have been affixed to the turtles, each carrying a unique number in addition to details such as the name of the organization, country-code, and email address. Non-corrosive in nature, these tags do not harm the turtle bodies and can be removed later. If encountered by researchers from other countries, they can provide the location of these tagged turtles to Indian researchers by sending an email comprising longitude and latitude coordinates. This practice will help identify the migratory path and various locations visited by marine reptiles post congregation and nesting.
Olive Ridley Turtles: An Overview
Olive Ridley turtles, the smallest and most abundant of all sea turtles globally, derive their name from their distinct olive-colored shell. A primarily carnivorous species, they are known for their unique mass nesting called ‘Arribada’. Thousands of female turtles collectively converge on the same beach to lay their eggs during this period. These turtles inhabit the warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian oceans, with Odisha’s Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary recognized as the world’s largest breeding colony of sea turtles.
The Threats and Protection Status
Despite being classified as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List and protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and CITES Appendix I, Olive Ridley turtles face several threats. These include marine pollution and waste, human consumption of their meat, shell, leather, and eggs, and the dangers posed by discarded plastic debris and fishing nets. Over-exploitation of marine resources, especially the frequent violation of the 20-kilometer no-fishing zone rule around a marine sanctuary by fishing trawlers, also poses significant threats to these turtles.
Initiatives for Olive Ridley Turtles’ Protection
To combat these issues, several initiatives have been launched over the years. The Indian Coast Guard’s ‘Operation Olivia’, initiated in the early 1980s, aims to protect Olive Ridley turtles as they reach the Odisha coast for breeding and nesting between November and December each year. It also collaboratively works to intercept any unlawful trawling activities. Additionally, the Odisha government has mandated the use of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) for all trawls. These specially designed nets equipped with an exit cover allow the turtles to escape while retaining the catch, significantly reducing accidental deaths.
About Zoological Survey of India
A subordinate organization of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, the ZSI, established in 1916, serves as a national center for the survey and exploration of faunal diversity. It plays a key role in enhancing knowledge about the country’s abundant faunal diversity, with its headquarters in Kolkata and 16 regional stations spread across various geographic locations nationwide.