Berhampur: World-famous Olive Ridley turtles have begun arriving near the Rushikulya river mouth in the Ganjam district, marking the start of their annual mating season. Forest officials said turtle pairs have already been sighted in the coastal waters, with mating activity expected to intensify toward the end of December.
Berhampur Divisional Forest Officer Sunny Khokkar said nesting generally begins about a month and a half after mating. Following this cycle, female turtles come ashore to dig nests in the sand, lay eggs, and return to the sea. The hatchlings usually emerge after 45 to 50 days.
To safeguard the turtles during this sensitive period, the administration has intensified sea patrols to prevent poaching and illegal fishing. During recent operations, two mechanised fishing trawlers from Andhra Pradesh were seized for violating fishing regulations in the area.
Officials anticipate a strong turnout of Olive Ridleys this season, with the possibility of mass nesting around the third week of February. Last year, the Rushikulya coast witnessed an exceptional nesting event, when more than 9.04 lakh turtles laid eggs along a nearly seven-kilometre stretch between Bateswar and Gokharakuda in two phases.
