The absence of mass nesting by Olive Ridley turtles at Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary this year has raised concerns among environmentalists, even as other coastal regions in Odisha reported record nesting and hatchling activity.
Gahirmatha Witnesses ‘Skip Year’
Gahirmatha, known as one of the world’s largest nesting grounds for Olive Ridley turtles, remained largely devoid of the usual mass nesting phenomenon, or arribada, during the February–April season. The Forest Department has described the situation as a “skip year,” noting that while large-scale nesting did not occur, sporadic nesting was observed in certain pockets.
Environmentalists, however, have expressed concern over the unusual development. Experts suggest that factors such as climate change, rising sea temperatures, and increased human activities—particularly fishing—may have disrupted the turtles’ natural nesting behaviour.
Rising Concerns Over Environmental Impact
Wildlife experts have pointed out that Olive Ridley turtles typically return to the same beaches for nesting. The absence of mass nesting at Gahirmatha has therefore triggered questions about possible ecological disturbances in the region.
Officials, however, maintain that natural variables like beach temperature, wind patterns, and lunar cycles also play a crucial role in determining nesting patterns and could have contributed to this year’s anomaly.
Record Nesting Along Puri Coast
In contrast, the Puri coastline has recorded a significant rise in nesting activity. Around 3.25 lakh eggs were collected from 14 hatcheries this season, with approximately 87,000 hatchlings already released into the sea.
The number of nests in the region has surged to 2,577 this year, compared to 1,136 in 2021, marking a record increase. Officials expect nearly three lakh hatchlings to be released by the end of May, highlighting a positive trend in turtle conservation efforts along this stretch.
Hatchlings Emerge at Rushikulya
At Rushikulya beach, thousands of hatchlings have recently emerged and made their way to the sea, drawing attention from tourists and locals alike. Authorities have strengthened security measures to protect the fragile hatchlings from disturbances.
Although over 2 lakh turtles participated in nesting at Rushikulya this year, the figure is slightly lower than previous years. Nevertheless, conservation workers reported a notable rise in reproductive activity compared to last season.
Call for Stronger Conservation Measures
With mixed trends observed across Odisha’s coastline, environmentalists have emphasized the need for stricter conservation policies, regulated fishing activities, and enhanced habitat protection to ensure the long-term survival of Olive Ridley turtles.
The contrasting patterns—absence of mass nesting at Gahirmatha and record activity elsewhere—highlight the complex and evolving nature of marine ecosystems, underlining the urgency for sustained environmental monitoring and protection efforts.
