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.
