The forest personnel of Gahirmatha are now anticipating that at anytime the much awaited mass nesting of the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles may occur following congregation of turtles in large numbers at the coast water. Even, the beach conditions remain conducive, said forest official sources.
Forest officials said now all the things depend on the weather condition. If within a day or two, the prevailing adverse weather condition develops, then there is every possibility that the much awaited mass nesting phenomenon would commence within a week.
Notably, last year, the mass nesting phenomenon of the Olive Ridley turtles had started from March 17 to 21. About 4.30 lakh turtles had congregated en masse at the South Nasi (Nasi-II) and Nasi-I beach, located near the establishment of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at the Wheeler’s Island and had laid eggs.
In order to protect the endangered species to come to the beaches and lay eggs, the forest personnel have taken all the necessary measures by expediting sea surveillance. The forest personnel have taken the aid of the Coast Guard, the marine police and the local police for ensuring smooth sojourn of the turtles. About 30 trawlers have been seized and nearly 225 fishermen were arrested since November 2013 in the ongoing turtle season for violating the fishing ban in the protected areas.