Population Trends in Nesting of Olive Ridley Turtles : Case study of Zahaniapir beach, Orissa, India

The endangered Olive Ridley population in Orissa coast is on a continued threat of incidental by-catch. The problem is significant in Zahaniapir beach due to proximity to the Nuagarh jetty which is one of the main fishing harbor of the state. The drastic decline of the nesting population is indicative of the severe threat over the Olive Ridley population in the east coast which have been found to be genetically distinct and ancestral to other Olive Ridley populations. The lack of proper management and strict implementation of the rules along with negligence and opposition to the use of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in trawlers has altogether played havoc on the migratory Olive Ridley turtles. The mass nesting sites are fast turning into death traps. Extinction under the existing circumstances is inevitable in near future. Apart from the strict implementation of Orissa Marine Fisheries Act(1982) and Rules(1983), establishment of elaborate network of hatcheries with proper scientific management and avoidance of natural predators in the immediate vicinity of hatcheries is recommended. The book would be useful to conservation biologists and NGOs working on these amazing marine turtles