Environment & Biodiversity

Olive Ridley Turtles to Return for Mass Nesting at Rushikulya in 2024

The Olive Ridley turtles, famous for their arribada or mass nesting, are poised for a major return to Odisha’s Rushikulya river mouth in 2024. After skipping this crucial nesting site last year, experts predict a strong rebound, with favourable environmental conditions supporting a potential mass nesting event in February.

🐢 Mass Nesting Behaviour

• Olive Ridleys follow a triennial nesting cycle, often skipping a year after a heavy nesting season.
• In 2023, over 6.37 lakh turtles nested across a 3-km beach stretch.
• The absence in 2024 aligns with this natural rhythm, suggesting larger numbers this year.

🌊 Environmental Conditions & Positive Indicators

• No flooding by the Rushikulya River this year has preserved the nesting beach.
• Emergence of a new sandbar is providing additional nesting ground.
• Favourable sea conditions in the Bay of Bengal, along with mating sightings, point to an impending arribada by mid-to-late February.

🛡️ Conservation Measures

• Fishing ban enforced in a 20-km radius from November 1 to May 31 to prevent accidental turtle injuries.
• Beach cleaning and fencing completed to ensure minimal human disturbance.
• The Odisha government and forest officials are actively coordinating with local communities.

🔬 Scientific Monitoring & Research

• The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has tagged over 15,000 turtles since 2021.
• Tags help track migration, nesting intervals, and survival rates.
• Recapture data aids long-term conservation strategies and climate adaptation studies.

📍 Significance of Rushikulya Rookery

• Alongside Gahirmatha and the Devi river mouth, Rushikulya is among India’s three primary Olive Ridley nesting grounds.
• These beaches host one of the largest congregations of nesting marine turtles in the world.
• Their return is a vital ecological indicator of marine health and conservation success.