The coastline of Karnataka proudly boasts its status as an Olive Ridley rookery on India's western shores. However, for decades, some beaches in the Mangaluru division of this southern state have remained devoid of Olive Ridley nesting sites due to adverse environmental conditions, such as heightened salinity and pollution stemming from human activities.

This longstanding absence witnessed a remarkable turnaround on February 5, 2024, as approximately 12 nesting sites were identified along the shores of Tannirbhavi and Sasihithlu beaches in coastal Karnataka.

V Karikalan, the chief conservator of forests for the Mangaluru wildlife division, expressed the significance of this event, stating, "Each site should have closer to 150 eggs as per the typical nesting habits of the Olive Ridley turtles. This was the first incident of nesting after a hiatus of 29 years (since 1985), which has been a pleasant development."

While Kundapur and Byndoor beaches have maintained relatively stable nesting sites, hosting around 200 nesting sites annually, the recent resurgence of nesting activity in Tannirbhavi and Sasihithlu beaches holds immense ecological importance.

Karikalan highlighted the importance of Olive Ridley turtles as Schedule 1 animals under the Wildlife Act of 1972, equating their significance to that of tigers and elephants. He remarked, "the species coming back for nesting on Tannirbhavi and Sasihithlu beaches after such a long time is a significant development."

Critical changes have evidently occurred on these beaches, heralding an era of environmental improvement. Karikalan highlighted, "first, the beaches are pollution-free and not subject to much human activity, and secondly, the Olive Ridleys have found these beaches a haven for their progeny."

Experts from the Karnataka Veterinary, Animal, Fisheries, and Animal Sciences University, Fisheries College, Mangaluru, elucidated the turtles' sensitivity to human interference, noting their preference for nesting in uninhabited areas of Tannirbhavi and Sasihithlu beaches.

This resurgence has spurred a wave of conservation initiatives. Local fisherfolk have rallied to protect the eggs from natural predators, while community leaders like Chandra Bangera have organised youth patrols to safeguard the nesting sites.

The forest department has taken proactive measures, employing a 'clipper movement' to barricade the 12 nesting sites and assigning round-the-clock surveillance to ensure the safety of the hatchlings.

Highlighting the ecological role of Olive Ridley turtles, experts underscored their predilection for feeding on jellyfish, which helps regulate fish populations and mitigate risks to fishermen from jellyfish-related injuries.

The revival of nesting activities in southern Karnataka presents an opportunity for further research, particularly concerning the distance from thriving nesting sites in Kundapur and Byndoor, experts suggested.

Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre emphasised the importance of protecting the eggs and incentivising local efforts in conservation. He stated, "The fisherfolk who are assisting the forest department in conserving the eggs must be given incentives and sensitised about similar events in the future."

Despite the commendable resurgence, challenges persist, including habitat degradation, directed harvest, and by-catch in fisheries, which have contributed to the decline of Olive Ridley populations. Efforts are needed to address these issues comprehensively.

While conservation efforts have been robust on the eastern coast, particularly in Odisha, initiatives on the western front have been lacking, prompting calls for increased regulation and protection of Olive Ridley turtles in Karnataka and beyond.

The cycle of nesting and hatching, occurring predominantly during the cover of night, underscores the delicate balance of these ecosystems, reminding us of the importance of sustained conservation efforts to preserve these magnificent creatures for generations to come.