Conserving vulnerable Olive Ridley turtles

A few days ago, a report by The Weather Channel (TWC)India team announced that along the Chennai coast, over 10,000 Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings have been released into the sea. This significant event, according to the report, marks the culmination of efforts by the Forest Department, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and dedicated volunteers to safeguard these vulnerable creatures. 

Having been a part of this network during my college days, gone on night walks to secure the eggs and been part of the release operations, this news strikes a deep chord within me! In February, another TWC India report had pointed out that Olive Ridley turtles, who make a beeline for Canacona beaches in South Goa to nest, had laid 9213 eggs at Agonda and Galjibaga beaches. Not only officials of the Forest Department but also locals and tourists also take care that they are not disturbed during the period of nesting.

Talking to IANS then as reported by TWC India, officials at the Turtle Conservation Centre in South Goa, had said that the nesting season had commenced on November 16, adding that every year Olive Ridley turtles come to these beaches to lay eggs. Dedicated staff keep vigil and take care of them and the eggs they lay. No commercial activities are allowed in these nesting areas and hence turtles are not disturbed. Forest guards are deployed at the nesting sites to keep a vigil for female turtles heading towards the shore to lay eggs. Once a nest is sighted, the clutch of eggs is soon relocated to the protected hatcheries.

Their incubating period is 45 to 60 days, the hatchlings are then released into the water for their future course. Agonda and Galjibaga are the most famous sites in Canacona-South Goa, where Olive Ridley turtles are spotted for nesting.

Also known as the Pacific Ridley Sea Turtle, Olive Ridleys are easily recognisable by their heart-shaped shells. Though small, these turtles are abundant and named for their olive-hued carapace, which develops from an initial grey colour as they mature. However, these beautiful creatures are vulnerable due to their reliance on a limited number of nesting sites and the disturbance to these beaches significantly impacting their population.

Since adult Olive Ridleys lay their eggs on beaches under the cover of night, forestry departments, often assisted by NGOs, meticulously collect their soft eggs and transfer them to safeguarded hatcheries built directly on the beaches.

The Chennai Students’ Sea Turtle Conservation Network (SSTN) plays a crucial role during this period by organising turtle walks. These walks allow visitors to witness the collection of eggs before they enter the incubation phase.

This year was no exception and since the beginning of the nesting season, conservationists have been hard at work, collecting over 42,000 eggs from beaches in Besant Nagar, Neelankarai, Kovalam, and Pulicat. These eggs were carefully transferred to hatcheries established along the coastline, where they were nurtured until they were ready to hatch.

Despite a slow start to the nesting season, officials have reported a notable increase in Olive Ridley nesting activity in recent weeks. But the impact of cyclone Michaung, which struck the coast in December 2023, has been evident, with substantial mortality recorded in certain nesting sites. However, in comparison to the previous season, which saw 38,721 hatchlings released, 2024 marks a substantial increase in Chennai's Olive Ridley population.

According to the TWC India report, recognising the importance of the Tamil Nadu coast as a nesting site for Olive Ridley sea turtles, the Forest Department has intensified conservation efforts. The number of hatcheries has been increased from 35 in 2023 to 45 in 2024. Furthermore, anticipating a harsh summer, ten hatcheries, including two in Chennai, have been outfitted with weather monitors. This crucial technology allows for temperature adjustments within the hatcheries, ensuring optimal conditions for the developing turtles.

Other prime destinations include the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary (Odisha), Rushikulya Beach (Odisha), Galgibaga (Goa), and Velas Beach (Maharashtra). Local NGOs often organise turtle walks along these coasts. These walks not only provide a chance to see these fascinating creatures up close but also raise awareness about the threats Olive Ridleys face. The IUCN Red List classifies them as ‘vulnerable’.