Odisha to Employ Satellite Telemetry for Tracking Olive Ridley Sea Turtles

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has taken a significant step towards the protection and conservation of Olive Ridley sea turtles by initiating a satellite telemetry study to monitor their movements. The decision was made during a high-powered committee meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja on Friday.

The three-year study, led by the Wildlife Conservation Society of India (WCI), will employ advanced technology to assess the population dynamics and migration patterns of Olive Ridleys along the Odisha coast. The Chief Secretary emphasized the global importance of protecting these marine creatures, which visit Odisha’s coastline annually for nesting.

Key nesting sites include Gahirmatha Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhitarkanika Sanctuary, Devi River Mouth, Balukhand Wildlife Sanctuary, Rushikulya Wildlife Sanctuary, and nearby riverbanks. Last year, Odisha recorded a remarkable 11.49 lakh eggs laid at Gahirmatha and Rushikulya coasts, but the figure dropped to 3 lakh this year, prompting discussions on potential reasons for the decline.

Measures for 2024-25 began on November 1, with seasonal activities focusing on turtle conservation. High-speed boats have been deployed across Rajnagar, Bhadrak, and Berhampur divisions, while 66 patrolling camps (61 onshore, 5 offshore) equipped with VHF and mobile communication are operational.

To enhance enforcement, joint sea patrols are being conducted with cooperation from the Forest Department, Indian Coast Guard, Fisheries Department, and Marine Police. Coordination meetings with institutions such as ITR, DRDO, and coastal authorities aim to improve collaboration and light control measures.

Additionally, the Fisheries and Livestock Department has imposed a ban on fishing by motorized vessels and trawlers within 20 km of the Dhamra, Devi, and Rushikulya river mouths between November and May, with year-round restrictions in Gahirmatha Sanctuary. Awareness programs for fishermen and stakeholders are being organized, and District Magistrates and SPs have been directed to support these conservation efforts.

Odisha’s commitment to safeguarding Olive Ridley turtles reflects its dedication to preserving biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance along its coastline.