CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
In a significant step toward marine conservation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) continues to lead Operation Olivia, an annual initiative dedicated to safeguarding Olive Ridley sea turtles during their nesting season. In 2025, the mission achieved a record milestone by protecting over 6.98 lakh nesting turtles along the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha an achievement that underscores India’s long-term commitment to preserving its rich marine biodiversity.
Origin And Duration Of Operation Olivia
Operation Olivia was first launched in the early 1980s with the objective of conserving the vulnerable Olive Ridley turtle population. The operation runs annually from November to May, coinciding with the turtles’ mass nesting period along the eastern coastline, especially in Odisha’s Gahirmatha and Rushikulya beaches. These locations are globally recognized as critical nesting habitats for this species.
Key Objectives Of Operation
The main aim of Operation Olivia is to create a safe and undisturbed nesting environment for Olive Ridley turtles by tackling major threats such as:
Illegal trawling and fishing near nesting beaches
Habitat degradation due to coastal activities
Unregulated marine traffic
Predation and accidental bycatch
The ICG works in coordination with state forest departments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and fishermen communities to ensure that these turtles can safely arrive, nest, and return to the sea.
2025 Highlights And Achievements
The 2025 nesting season witnessed remarkable achievements, including:
6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles protected at Rushikulya coast
5,387 surface patrol sorties and 1,768 aerial surveillance flights conducted
366 boats detained for engaging in illegal fishing practices near restricted zones
These efforts have significantly curbed harmful human activities and enhanced the survival rate of hatchlings.
Promoting Technology And Community Involvement
To support turtle conservation, the ICG encourages the use of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) a specially designed gear that allows turtles to escape from fishing nets. Additionally, in collaboration with coastal states like Karnataka, authorities have begun geo-tagging turtles to better monitor their migration and behavior patterns.
Public awareness programs and training workshops are also being held to educate fishermen on the importance of marine conservation and sustainable fishing practices.
National And Global Relevance
Operation Olivia aligns with India’s obligations under international environmental frameworks, including:
Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
It also contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water) by promoting responsible use of ocean resources and protecting marine ecosystems.
Future Plans And Conservation Strategy
Looking ahead, the Indian Coast Guard aims to:
Expand surveillance and patrolling efforts across more coastal zones
Increase the use of technology for tracking and data collection
Deepen community engagement, especially among younger generations
Ensure compliance with marine conservation rules through stricter enforcement
Through continued multi-stakeholder cooperation and adaptive strategies, Operation Olivia is poised to remain a cornerstone of India’s marine wildlife protection framework.
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