Bhubaneswar: The Indian Coast Guard has initiated ‘Operation Olivia’ in Paradip, Odisha, to protect the endangered olive ridley turtles during their crucial nesting season. This strategic mission focuses on ensuring the safety of these vulnerable creatures by maintaining constant surveillance over the coastal waters where they lay their eggs.
To achieve this, the Coast Guard is using a combination of drones, fast patrol vessels, interceptor crafts, and Dornier aircraft for round-the-clock monitoring. These measures are designed to prevent illegal intrusions into the nesting areas and enforce strict regulations against unlawful fishing practices under the Orissa Marine Fisheries Act.
Over the last 138 days, the operation has deployed 29 Coast Guard vessels and Dornier aircraft, accumulating approximately 65 hours of aerial surveillance. In addition to monitoring the coastal waters, the team is closely inspecting fishing boats to ensure compliance with safety guidelines, prioritizing the protection of these endangered species.
A key component of ‘Operation Olivia’ is the mandatory installation of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) on fishing boats. These devices help prevent turtle deaths by allowing trapped turtles to escape from fishing nets. Thanks to this initiative, many olive ridley turtles have been successfully rescued from entanglement in drift nets.
The project is a collaborative effort involving the state fisheries and forest departments. It emphasises educating local fishing communities and intensifying patrols in restricted fishing zones. By enhancing the scrutiny of mechanized fishing boats and fostering community awareness, ‘Operation Olivia’ is making significant strides in conserving the endangered olive ridley turtles along Odisha’s coast.
