Operation Olivia

News: Indian Coast Guard’s ‘Operation Olivia’ protects 6.98 lakh Olive ridley turtles in Odisha. Operation Olivia

About Operation Olivia

• It is a vital initiative by the Indian Coast Guard aimed at ensuring safe nesting grounds for Olive Ridley turtles.
• It is conducted annually from November to May.
• Focus areas: The operation is conducted at the Odisha coast which has famous arribada beaches at Rushikulya by the mouth of the river Devi and Gahirmatha.
• The ICG adopted a diverse approach, involving Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and local fishing communities by promoting the use of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs).

About Olive Ridley Turtles

• The Olive Ridley turtles are the smallest and most abundant of all sea turtles found in the world.
• They are found in warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian oceans.
• Conservation status:
  • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
  • CITES: Appendix I (It prohibits trade in turtle products by signatory countries)
  • Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I

Note – Olive ridley turtles have a unique habit of mass nesting called Arribada.