Operation Olivia: India’s Marine Conservation Mission to Protect Olive Ridley Turtles

Operation Olivia is a flagship initiative by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) aimed at the protection and conservation of the endangered Olive Ridley turtles during their breeding and nesting season along the Odisha coast. Since its inception in the early 1980s, the operation has become one of India’s most impactful marine wildlife protection programs.

What is Operation Olivia?

Operation Olivia is an annual coastal surveillance and protection initiative conducted by the Indian Coast Guard from November to May every year. Its primary goal is to ensure the safe arrival, nesting, and hatching of Olive Ridley turtles at their natural breeding grounds, particularly at:

• Gahirmatha Beach, Kendrapada

• Rushikulya River Mouth, Ganjam

• Devi River Mouth, Odisha

About Olive Ridley Turtles

• Scientific Name: Lepidochelys olivacea

• Size: Smallest among sea turtles in the family Cheloniidae

• Appearance: Olive or grayish-green color with a distinctive heart-shaped shell (carapace)

• Behavior: Known for their mass nesting event called “arribada”, where thousands of female turtles come ashore simultaneously to lay eggs.

• Migration: These turtles travel vast distances, sometimes up to 9,000 km, across the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans.

• Major Nesting Sites in India: Odisha’s Gahirmatha, Rushikulya, Devi river mouth, and the Andaman Islands.

The Launch and Objectives of Operation Olivia

Operation Olivia was launched in the early 1980s by the Indian Coast Guard with the following primary objectives:

• Protect Olive Ridley turtles during nesting and breeding seasons (November to May).

• Prevent illegal fishing practices like unlawful trawling near nesting grounds, which pose a threat to turtles.

• Ensure safe and secure nesting habitats free from human disturbances.

• Promote sustainable fishing methods by encouraging the use of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) among local fishermen.

• Foster collaboration with local communities, NGOs, and government bodies to raise awareness and improve conservation outcomes.

Why Operation Olivia is Crucial

Olive Ridley turtles face numerous threats, including:

• Illegal trawling and fishing (bycatch)

• Poaching for shells and eggs

• Habitat loss due to coastal development

• Marine pollution, especially plastic waste

• Climate change impacting nesting sites

Given their vulnerable status, Olive Ridley turtles are protected under:

• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (Schedule I)

• IUCN Red List (Vulnerable)

• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Appendix I

Operation Olivia plays a vital role in mitigating these threats by patrolling nesting sites and deterring illegal fishing activities during peak seasons.

Key Achievements of Operation Olivia

• 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles successfully nested at Rushikulya river mouth.

• Gahirmatha beach continued to welcome approximately 8 lakh nesting turtles annually.

• The Indian Coast Guard conducted:

  • 5,387 surface patrol sorties

  • 1,768 aerial surveillance missions

• 366 vessels engaged in illegal fishing were detained, significantly reducing turtle mortality.

• Active promotion and adoption of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) by local fishermen helped minimize accidental captures.

• Strong collaboration with local fishing communities, NGOs, and other government departments enhanced conservation impact.

Future Directions and Challenges

Looking ahead, Operation Olivia aims to:

• Expand community involvement further.

• Enhance surveillance with advanced technologies like drones and satellite monitoring.

• Promote eco-tourism and alternative livelihoods to reduce dependency on fishing.

• Strengthen policy frameworks for coastal ecosystem protection.

Challenges include balancing the economic needs of fishing communities with conservation goals, tackling marine pollution, and adapting to climate change impacts.

Conclusion

Operation Olivia stands as a beacon of successful wildlife conservation in India, demonstrating how coordinated efforts between government agencies, local communities, and NGOs can safeguard endangered species. Protecting the Olive Ridley turtles not only conserves a vital part of marine biodiversity but also strengthens India’s global commitment to sustainable ocean management.

Sharing is caring!