Operation Olivia: A Marine Conservation Success by the Indian Coast Guard

In a major boost to marine conservation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), through its annual mission Operation Olivia, has successfully protected nearly 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles that nested at the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha in February 2025. The operation underscores India’s commitment to preserving marine biodiversity by ensuring safe nesting habitats for this vulnerable species during its annual breeding season.

Why in News?

The Indian Coast Guard announced on May 19, 2025, that its initiative Operation Olivia had recorded the protection of 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles during the nesting season at the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha. This marks a record achievement in marine conservation under the initiative.

Aim and Objective

• Primary Goal: To ensure safe nesting of Olive Ridley turtles by minimizing threats such as illegal fishing and habitat destruction.
• Promote community participation, NGO collaboration, and the use of sustainable fishing tools like Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs).

Background and Implementation

• Launched in the early 1980s, Operation Olivia is conducted annually from November to May.
• Focuses on nesting beaches in Gahirmatha, Rushikulya river mouth, and other coastal Odisha regions—key breeding grounds for the Olive Ridley turtle.

Key Achievements in 2025 Season

• Protected 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles at Rushikulya river mouth in February 2025.
• Over 5,387 surface patrol sorties and 1,768 aerial surveillance missions conducted since inception.
• Detained 366 boats involved in illegal fishing activities.
• Established MoUs with NGOs for conservation and education programs.

Community and Tech Initiatives

• Promoted Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) among local fishermen.
• Supported sustainable practices and raised awareness through community engagement.
• Collaborated with states like Karnataka to begin geo-tagging turtles to monitor movement.

Significance

• Enhances India’s commitment under Convention on Migratory Species and Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
• Reinforces sustainable development goals (SDG 14 – Life Below Water).
• Demonstrates successful multi-agency collaboration for biodiversity conservation.