The Coast Guard has launched ‘operation Oliva’ coastal patrolling in coordination with the state Forest Department. The operation is part of its annual mission to ensure safe mid-sea sojourn of breeding Olive Ridley sea turtles.

The turtle conservation programme is in full swing to keep watch and vigil on illegal fishing along the turtle concentration zone, said Coast Guard personnel.

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The Coast Guard has chalked out a proactive plan for the conservation of these marine animals’. With round-the-clock vigil, the coast guard has been able to provide adequate protection to the endangered species.

The CG has also pressed into service an aircraft for the operation oliva. It is keeping tab on illegal fishing in Gahirmatha marine sanctuary, Dhamra, Devi and Rushikulya river mouths

The coast guard has organised interactive sessions with the marine fishermen communities to sensitize them on the pros and cons of legal embargo on fishing during ridleys’ nesting season.

The patrol exercise for surveillance on trespassing sea-worthy trawls is on as turtles perish in large numbers after getting hit on trawl propellers. Besides breeding animals get entangled in fishing nets and are asphyxiated to death

As the turtles have begun arriving en masse for mating, an aircraft is also being pressed into service for easy interception of illegal trawling operations along the marine sanctuary water zone.

The coast guard is always on alert to check trespassing of vessels. The patrol vessels engaged by the forest and fisheries department often seek CG ship assistance in the event of emergencies. The operation to save turtles is being carried on in a coordinated manner, they said.

We are always ready to help the forest and fisheries department for the safety of these delicate marine species, they added.

The CG patrol in turtle congregation sites would remain in force till the marine turtles finish laying eggs on nesting beaches, added CG personnel.

There is an increase in awareness level among the fishermen communities. As a result, unlawful sea fishing activity has dropped down considerably this time since the enforcement of prohibition on sea fishing from 1 November within the 20 KM radius of Gahirmatha marine sanctuary and river mouths of Odisha.

Since November 1, when the turtle protection patrolling was undertaken, the Forest Department has arrested more than 60 sea-going fishermen and eight sea-worthy trawls were seized on the charge of infringement of provisions of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and Orissa Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1982, informed the forest officials.

The rate of mortality of these endangered species is quite high. An Olive Ridley usually lays about 120 to 150 eggs from which hatchlings emerge after about 45 to 60 days. But not all eggs remain intact as predators devour it.

Besides, eggs are also washed away by sea waves during high tide. The eggs are incubated in the nest and grow, sans mother, to emerge as hatchlings.