Operation Olivia: ICG helps protect a record 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles in Odisha
The Indian Coast Guard said on 19 May 2025 that its annual 'Operation Olivia' helped protect a record of over 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles that nested at the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha in February 2025.
Summary
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) said on 19 May 2025 that its annual mission 'Operation Olivia' helped protect a record of over 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles nesting at the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha during February 2025. Conducted every year from November to May, the operation secures nesting grounds, particularly at Gahirmatha Beach and nearby coasts, which see over eight lakh turtles annually. Since its inception, ICG has carried out over 5,387 surface patrol sorties and 1,768 aerial surveillance missions and detained 366 boats for illegal fishing. It also promotes Turtle Excluder Devices among fishers and works with NGOs through MoUs.
Key facts
- Record
- Over 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles, Rushikulya river mouth, Feb 2025
- Season
- Annually, November to May
- Key site
- Gahirmatha Beach and nearby coast, Odisha
- Effort since inception
- 5,387+ surface sorties; 1,768 aerial missions; 366 boats detained
- Community
- Turtle Excluder Devices; MoUs with NGOs
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Under the Indian Coast Guard's Operation Olivia, a record of over how many Olive Ridley turtles nested at the Rushikulya river mouth in February 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 6.98 lakh
Over 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles nested at the Rushikulya river mouth in February 2025; over eight lakh turtles arrive on the Odisha coast each year.
Consider the following statements about Operation Olivia: 1. It is conducted by the Indian Coast Guard every year from November to May. 2. The record mass nesting of February 2025 took place at Gahirmatha Beach. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The record February 2025 nesting was at the Rushikulya river mouth; Gahirmatha is another key nesting site.