Mass Nesting of endangered Olive Ridley turtles in Odisha
Mass Nesting of endangered Olive Ridley turtles in Odisha
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Kendrapada: Hundreds of endangered Olive ridley sea turtles have begun to arrive at Odisha's Kendrapada district's Gahirmatha marine reserve for mass nesting, a natural phenomena eagerly anticipated by environment lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
According to sources, several turtles are currently mating on the seawater's surface. "Olive Ridley turtles begin mating in the sea along their favourite nesting coast in November and December." "After the mating season, most male turtles return, leaving the females to lay eggs," media quoted sanctuary range officer Manas Das as saying.
After 45-60 days, hatchlings emerge from the eggs and make their way to the sea.
Several measures have been implemented to preserve the turtles during the breeding season, including a fishing ban from November 1 to May 31 next year. The limited region comprises a 20-kilometer stretch of sea from the Gahirmatha rookery's coastline.
It is worth noting that since November 1, the Forest Department has arrested 25 fishermen and seized four boats for breaking the fishing ban. This year, about 5,01,157 Olive Ridleys lay eggs on Nasi-1 and Nasi-2 islands from March 25 to 28.
Aside from Gahirmatha, the Odisha government has put a seven-month restriction on fishing activity within a 20-kilometer radius of the mouths of the rivers Dhamara, Devi, and Rusikulya.
