In order to conduct research on Olive Ridley sea turtles, the Odisha Government has decided to set up a Sea Turtle Research and Conservation Centre at Rushikulya river mouth in Ganjam district.

Land has been identified for establishment of the centre at Rushikulya river mouth, said PCCF (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden Susanta Nanda here on Thursday.

Speaking to mediapersons here, PCCF Nanda said a lot of students and foreign delegates are very eager to know about the Olive Ridley turtles. The DFO, Brahmapur will coordinate with the Ganjam Collector in the establishment of the centre.

Meanwhile, mass mating of the Olive Ridley sea turtles has started at the Rushikulya and Gahirmatha river mouths. This year, over 5.12 lakh turtles have laid eggs off Gahirmatha coast between March 9 and 13 and around 6.37 lakh turtles have laid eggs at Rushikulya between February 23 and March 2. The eggs were cordoned off for protection and a strict vigil was kept, sources said.

In order to enhance turtle safety and their hassle-free nesting and breeding, the State Government has taken a slew of measures. A ban on fishing within 20 km from the coast for the protection of turtles has been imposed from November 1 till May 30. The State Wildlife Directorate has urged the Integrated Testing Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Baleswar to stop missile testing during the mass nesting period.

Dhamra and Paradip port authorities have been directed to provide one sea ship each to the DFO of Mangrove Forest Division (Wildlife) of Rajnagar for sea patrolling. Similarly, Gopalpur Port authorities have been requested to provide a sea-bound vessel to the DFO of Berhampur Division for sea patrolling. The State Government has enhanced the compensation provided to the fishermen during the ban period from Rs 7,500 to Rs 15,000, Nanda informed.

Last year, 11.50 lakh turtles had arrived in Odisha coast for mass nesting.