Context:
An Olive Ridley turtle, tagged 03233, has made history by becoming the first flipper-tagged turtle to cross both India’s coasts and two ocean basins. Her unique journey is offering valuable insights into turtle migration and marine ecosystems.
Key Highlights
- Tagging & Nesting: Tagging occurred in 2021 during mass nesting in Odisha, and in 2025, 03233 was found nesting on the Konkan coast, laying 120 eggs, which is higher than the average for the region (90-95 eggs).
- Scientific Importance: This marks the first recorded nesting at two beaches during the same period, challenging existing theories about turtle migration. The unexpected route taken by 03233 also points to the connection between marine ecosystems on different coasts.
Growth of Nesting on the West Coast
- Increased Nests in Maharashtra: In recent years, the number of Olive Ridley nests along India’s west coast has grown. Maharashtra now hosts about 20% of India’s Olive Ridley nests, with places like Guhagar seeing nearly 300 nests.
- Resident or Migrant? Researchers are investigating whether the turtles on the west coast are migrants like 03233, or if they are residents who stay in Arabian waters.
Conservation Efforts
- Tracking and Research: The journey of 03233 emphasizes the need for better tracking of Olive Ridley turtles. The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) is conducting a turtle census, and experts are urging for more flipper and satellite tagging to monitor their movements effectively.
- Coastal Protection: With turtles traveling long distances for breeding and feeding, it is crucial to protect their nesting sites, especially along Maharashtra’s coast, where human activities like construction and tourism threaten these habitats.
The migration and nesting of 03233 highlights the need for increased conservation efforts to protect Olive Ridley turtles. By understanding their movement patterns, we can better safeguard these remarkable creatures and their habitats for the future.
