Sea Turtle Populations Soar on Indian Coast

Quick Smiles:

• Olive ridley sea turtles now make a million nests along India’s coast, up tenfold in 20 years.
• Conservation efforts at the Velas Turtle Festival and other programs are protecting hatchlings and habitats.
• Global sea turtle populations are showing signs of recovery after decades of decline.

Olive ridley sea turtles are making a remarkable return, with about one million nests counted along India’s western coast—an incredible increase from just 100,000 two decades ago.

At the Velas Turtle Festival, locals and tourists celebrated as hatchlings safely journeyed to the sea, thanks to dedicated volunteers and conservationists who protect the eggs and monitor the beaches.

Camera crews help document where nesting females dig in January, allowing for careful relocation of eggs to protected hatcheries, keeping them safe from predators.

When baby turtles hatch, they are gently guided to the ocean, cheered on by an enthusiastic community committed to giving these tiny travelers the best start possible.

Kartik Shanker, an Indian sea turtle expert, recalls when the return of olive ridley turtles to Velas seemed impossible. His advocacy for measures like restricting coastal construction has helped restore the population.

Efforts such as seasonal fishing bans, beach cleanups, and hiring staff to keep habitats free of harmful plastic have made a tangible difference for the turtles.

“[W]hen some measure of protection was put in place, these turtles, olive ridley turtles, have rebounded,” said Shanker.

The success story is mirrored globally, with organizations like the IUCN announcing the green sea turtle is no longer endangered and conservationists watching nest numbers grow worldwide.

“We went from being pretty worried about green turtle populations to watching their numbers increase over the last few decades,” shared Bryan Wallace, an IUCN scientific advisor.

These remarkable recoveries prove that committed conservation pays off, giving hope to all who care about the oceans and its gentle giants.

Continue spreading good news and cheer these turtles on as they make their incredible journey!

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