Olive Ridley Turtles: Threats, Conservation - UPSC

Introduction to Olive Ridley Turtle Threats

The Olive Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) faces a multitude of threats that endanger its survival, particularly along the Indian coastline. These threats stem from both anthropogenic activities and environmental changes, impacting their nesting, feeding, and migratory patterns.

Threats from Fishing Activities

One of the most significant threats is bycatch in various fishing gears. This refers to the unintentional capture of non-target species during commercial fishing operations. Turtles caught in such gear often drown or suffer severe injuries.

• Trawls: Large nets dragged along the seabed, highly destructive to marine life.
• Gillnets: Vertical panels of netting that entangle turtles.
• Longlines: Long lines with baited hooks that can hook turtles.

Poaching and Egg Harvesting

Despite legal protections, poaching of adult turtles and the illegal harvesting of eggs remain persistent threats. These activities are primarily driven by demand for human consumption, either for meat or eggs, in local and international markets.

The collection of eggs directly reduces the reproductive success of the species, severely impacting population recovery efforts.

Habitat Loss and Degradation

Coastal development poses a major threat by destroying or altering critical nesting beaches. Construction, tourism infrastructure, and artificial lighting disrupt the turtles' natural nesting behavior and hatchling orientation.

Marine pollution, especially from plastics, is another severe issue. Turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, their natural prey, leading to internal injuries, blockages, and starvation.

Climate Change Impacts

Rising global temperatures and sea levels exacerbate the existing threats. Increased temperatures can affect the sex ratio of hatchlings, as turtle sex is determined by nest temperature (Temperature-Dependent Sex Determination).

Sea-level rise can inundate nesting beaches, reducing available habitat and increasing the risk of erosion. This directly impacts the success of nesting events and the survival of eggs and hatchlings.

Conservation Initiatives: Operation Olivia

To combat these threats, the Indian Coast Guard launched Operation Olivia. This crucial initiative, active since the 1980s, focuses on protecting Olive Ridley turtles during their nesting season.

The primary objectives of Operation Olivia include preventing illegal trawling activities near nesting sites and safeguarding the turtles and their eggs from poachers, especially along the Odisha coast, which hosts the world's largest mass nesting sites.