Operation Olivia: Indian Coast Guard Protects Olive Ridley Turtles

In a major boost to marine conservation, the Indian Coast Guard’s annual mission ‘Operation Olivia’ helped protect around 700 thousand Olive Ridley turtles nested at the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha during February 2025.

Conducted annually from November to May, Operation Olivia is an important initiative of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) aimed at ensuring safe nesting grounds for Olive Ridley turtles, particularly at Gahirmatha Beach and surrounding coastal areas of Odisha, which see the arrival of over 800 thousand turtles each year.

Olive Ridley sea turtles migrate in huge numbers from the beginning of November every year for mating and nesting along the coast of Orissa. 

The coast of Odisha in India is one of the largest mass nesting sites for the Olive Ridley; the majority of these marine animals nest in two or three large assemblies near Gahirmatha Beach. Female Olive Ridley turtles return to the same beach from where they hatched to lay their eggs. 

Since the inception of Operation Olivia, the Coast Guard has carried out over 5,387 surface patrol sorties & 1,768 aerial surveillance missions, significantly reducing threats such as illegal fishing and habitat disruption.

During this period, 366 boats involved in illegal fishing were detained, reaffirming the ICG’s strong enforcement role in protecting marine life.

Apart from surveillance, ICG has actively worked with local fishing communities by promoting the use of Turtle Excluder Devices and partnering with NGOs through formal MoUs to support sustainable fishing practices and conservation education.

Established in 1977, the Indian Coast Guard is a maritime law enforcement, search and rescue agency in India with jurisdiction over its territorial waters, including its contiguous zone and exclusive economic zone.

The ICG works under India’s Ministry of Defence and in close coordination with the Indian Navy, the Department of Fisheries, the Coastal Police of the State Police Forces, and the Central Armed Police Forces.

The maritime agency has a role in environmental responsibility, including marine ecology preservation as part of its broader duty to protect the nation.

The record mass nesting at the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha is a testament to the Indian Coast Guard’s sustained efforts to safeguard the endangered species through rigorous patrolling, aerial surveillance, and community engagement.