The much-anticipated mass nesting of Olive Ridley sea turtles has begun at the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha’s Ganjam district, marking a crucial event in the region’s wildlife calendar.

On the first day, over 11,000 turtles were spotted laying eggs along the 4-km stretch of the rookery, according to Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Berhampur, Sunny Khokkar. The mass nesting is expected to continue for several more days, as thousands of turtles are still in the sea, preparing to come ashore for nesting.

Forest officials confirmed that after the peak mass nesting period, sporadic nesting will continue in the area for some time. The Rushikulya rookery is one of the most significant nesting sites for Olive Ridley turtles, which undertake long migrations to lay eggs on Odisha’s coast every year.

The authorities have taken extensive measures to ensure the safety of the nesting turtles and their eggs, including deploying forest guards and volunteers to prevent disturbances and poaching. Wildlife experts and conservationists are closely monitoring the event to facilitate a safe and successful nesting season.

The Olive Ridley turtles, classified as “Vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), play a crucial role in marine biodiversity. Their mass nesting, also known as “arribada,” is a spectacular natural phenomenon and an essential part of the region’s ecological balance.

With thousands more turtles expected to arrive, the Rushikulya coastline remains a key hotspot for global conservation efforts, drawing attention from researchers, environmentalists, and nature enthusiasts worldwide.