Dikhyaa Mohanty 
According to a press release from the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the Indian Coast Guard’s (ICG) yearly mission, “Operation Olivia,” significantly aided in the protection of a record 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles that nested at the mouth of the Rushikulya river in Odisha in February 2025. Operation Olivia, an important ICG program, is carried out every year from November to May with the goal of providing secure nesting sites for Olive Ridley turtles, especially at Gahirmatha Beach and the other coastal areas of Odisha, where more than eight lakh turtles arrive yearly.
The ICG’s persistent efforts to protect this endangered species through strict patrolling, aerial observation, and community interaction are demonstrated by the record mass nesting at the Rushikulya river mouth. The ICG has carried out more than 5,387 surface patrol sorties and 1,768 aerial surveillance operations since the start of “Operation Olivia,” greatly lowering concerns including habitat disturbance and illicit fishing.
The ICG’s robust enforcement role in preserving marine life was reaffirmed at this time when 366 vessels engaged in illicit fishing operations were taken into custody. The ICG has actively worked with local fishing groups in addition to conducting surveillance by encouraging the deployment of Turtle Excluder Devices and forming official Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with NGOs to assist conservation education and sustainable fishing methods.
