March to be Celebrated as Olive Ridley Turtle Awareness Month

This March 2025, Odisha takes a significant step forward by observing its first-ever Olive Ridley Turtle and Marine Mammal Awareness Month. This initiative reflects Odisha’s deep respect for its biodiversity and its commitment to preserving the treasures of its 480-kilometer coastline. With the Olive Ridley turtles and dolphins as symbols of this effort, the state invites its citizens to join hands in safeguarding these marine marvels.

A Record-Breaking Welcome for Olive Ridley Turtles

The timing of this awareness month is no coincidence. In February 2025, Odisha’s Rushikulya rookery in Ganjam district witnessed a historic event: over 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles arrived for their annual mass nesting, known as Arribada. This surpassed the previous record of 6.37 lakh set in 2023, showcasing the success of sustained conservation efforts.

These endangered turtles, named for their olive-green shells, transform Odisha’s beaches into a living spectacle each year, drawing global attention. Meanwhile, dolphins, vital to the marine ecosystem, face growing threats from habitat loss and human activities. This month-long campaign aims to honor both species, celebrating their presence while addressing their challenges.

Which Authorities are Leading the Charge?

The Olive Ridley Turtle and Marine Mammal Awareness Month is spearheaded by the Office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Wildlife, Odisha, in collaboration with regional forest divisions such as Balasore and Berhampur. The Mangrove Forest Division (Wildlife), Rajnagar, plays a pivotal role, organizing events under the guidance of the Odisha Forest Department.

The Indian Coast Guard, through its ongoing Operation Olivia, supports these efforts by patrolling coastal waters to protect nesting turtles from poaching and disturbances. Together, these authorities blend expertise and community engagement to foster a shared responsibility for marine life.

What are the Activities Lined Up for Olive Ridley Turtle and Marine Mammal Awareness Month

The awareness month features a thoughtfully planned lineup of activities designed to inform, engage, and unite Odisha’s people. A standout contribution comes from the Mangrove Forest Division (WL), Rajnagar, which has outlined a series of events for March 2025. These include:

• March 10: Olive Ridley & Dolphin Awareness Drive – A community-focused initiative to educate residents about the importance of conserving these species and their habitats, fostering local participation.
• March 20: Beach Clean-Up & Conservation Rally – An event to maintain clean coastal areas, promote eco-friendly practices, and raise public awareness about marine ecosystem health.
• March 23: Fishermen Training on Turtle-Friendly Practices – A workshop equipping fishermen with techniques to reduce bycatch, including the use of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs), ensuring sustainable fishing aligns with conservation goals.
• March 25: Poster Presentation on Turtle & Dolphin Conservation – An interactive session where participants showcase artwork and ideas to inspire action for marine protection.
• March 28: Expert Workshop on Marine Ecosystem Conservation – A detailed discussion with experts focusing on long-term strategies to safeguard Olive Ridley turtles, dolphins, and the broader mangrove and marine ecosystems.

These events, hosted at key locations like Rajnagar, are open to students, fishermen, conservationists, and the public, reflecting Odisha’s inclusive approach. Additionally, workshops from March 7 to 12 in Balasore Forest Division and a capacity-building session on March 11 in Dangmal, as organized by Berhampur Divisional Forest Officer Sunny Khokkar, have already engaged local school students, EDC members, and experts in dolphin conservation. Beach rallies, cleanup drives, and creative contests like poster competitions and quizzes throughout the month further enrich this initiative.

Olive Ridley Turtle and Marine Mammal Awareness Month in Odisha

Odisha’s bond with the Olive Ridley turtle is profound. The state hosts three major nesting sites namely Rushikulya, Gahirmatha, and Devi river mouth. Gahirmatha is recognized as the world’s largest rookery for this species. Conservation efforts, including fishing bans from November to May within 20 kilometers of the coast, have reduced turtle mortality significantly over the years. The tagging of turtles with non-corrosive metal tags, a joint effort by the Zoological Survey of India and the Odisha Forest Department, tracks their movements, ensuring their habitats remain protected. Dolphins, too, benefit from these measures, as cleaner waters and reduced human interference support their survival.

The Olive Ridley Turtle and Marine Mammal Awareness Month is more than a celebration—it is a call to action. Odisha’s people, known for their resilience and unity, are at the heart of this movement. By participating in workshops, rallies, and training, citizens can contribute to a legacy of environmental stewardship.