Kendrapada: Hundreds of Olive Ridley sea turtles have started congregating at Gahirmatha marine sanctuary in Kendrapada district, considered the world's largest rookery, for the annual mating season.
"Hundreds of turtles are currently mating on the surface of the sea," said Pratush Moharana, forest range officer, Gahirmatha. Mating typically begins in Dec, with male turtles returning to deep waters afterwards, leaving females behind to nest.
To protect the endangered turtles during their crucial breeding period, authorities have implemented a fishing ban from Nov 1 to May 31. The restriction covers a 20-km stretch from the Gahirmatha coastline. "We have already arrested 62 fishermen and seized six fishing trawlers since Nov 1 for illegal fishing," Moharana said.
Earlier, from April 2 to 7, a record 301,159 Olive Ridley turtles laid eggs on the Nasi-1 and Nasi-2 islands within the sanctuary. After laying eggs, female turtles return to the sea, leaving their hatchlings to emerge independently after 45-60 days.
Gahirmatha, declared a marine sanctuary in 1997, is famous for its massive arribada (nesting), where up to half a million turtles come ashore to lay eggs. "The sea turtle is undoubtedly the most important attraction along the Odisha coast," Moharana noted, adding that Rushikulya beach also serves as another significant nesting site.
The turtles return to their birthplace each year to continue their species' survival, despite facing various environmental challenges and human interference.