KENDRAPARA: In a bid to protect the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles, Odisha Coast Guard launched ‘Operation Oliva’ at the three major nesting sites of the turtles, Gahiramatha Marine Sanctuary, Devi river mouth and Rushikulya beach. Coast Guard ships have been deployed in the areas to prevent entry of fishing vessels into the prohibited zone.
“In a joint coordination of State Forest department, fishery officials and marine police, the turtle conservation programme is being carried out in full swing to keep a vigil on turtle smuggling,” a senior Coast Guard official said on Tuesday.
Every year, during the breeding season of these turtles, the Coast Guard of Paradip carries out such operations to protect the animals from poachers. Coast Guard ships are deployed from November 1 to May 31 for protection of the turtles. Due to effective patrolling of the ships, a large number of turtles every year nest along the Odisha coast.
The golden sands of the Gahiramatha beach in Kendrapara district including Devi and Rushikulya beaches are silent spot and preferred breeding grounds for the turtles, who emerge from the sea at the dead of night to lay eggs.