Key Facts and Data Points

  • Number of eggs conserved: ~20,000
  • Location: Hope Island, Kakinada Bay, Andhra Pradesh
  • Species: Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) – the smallest sea turtle globally
  • Nesting season in India: November–December to April–May
  • Egg clutch size per female: 100–140 eggs
  • Major Indian nesting sites: Gahirmatha (Odisha), Rushikulya (Odisha), Devi River mouth (Odisha), Visakhapatnam & Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh), Andaman & Nicobar Islands
  • Legal status: Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972; Appendix I of CITES; IUCN Red List – Vulnerable

Background and Context

Olive Ridley turtles undertake long‑distance migrations across the Pacific and Indian Oceans, arriving on Indian coasts for mass nesting (arribada). Hope Island serves as a safe nesting ground where eggs are protected through in‑situ conservation, i.e., safeguarding them at the site without relocation.

Significance for India / Governance / Policy

  • Demonstrates effective implementation of Schedule I protection and CITES obligations.
  • Highlights the role of Wildlife Management Authority and Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary in coastal biodiversity management.
  • Reinforces the need for fishing bans (Operation Olivia) and Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) to reduce by‑catch mortality.
  • Aligns with India’s commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and National Biodiversity Action Plan.

Related Constitutional / Legal Provisions

  • Article 48A of the Constitution directs the State to protect and improve the environment.
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 – Schedule I provides the highest level of protection to sea turtles.
  • CITES Appendix I bans international trade of Olive Ridley turtles and their products.

Conservation Measures

  • Operation Olivia (Indian Coast Guard) – enforces seasonal fishing bans.
  • Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) – mandatory in Odisha, recommended for other states.
  • Tagging and satellite tracking – aids in understanding migration routes.
  • Community awareness programmes – reduce poaching and egg trade.

Major Threats

  • Accidental by‑catch in trawl and gill nets – leading cause of mortality.
  • Illegal poaching and egg trade despite bans.
  • Habitat degradation due to coastal development and pollution.

Way Forward

  • Expand in‑situ and ex‑situ nesting protection across vulnerable beaches.
  • Strengthen monitoring of fishing gear and enforce stricter penalties for violations.
  • Promote community‑based stewardship and alternative livelihood schemes for coastal populations.
  • Enhance research and data sharing on migration patterns to inform policy.

References

  • Olive Ridley Turtle – IUCN Red List
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
  • CITES Appendices
  • Operation Olivia – Indian Coast Guard