Relevance: GS III (Environment & Biodiversity) | Source: The Hindu

1. The Proposal: Ecotourism at Nesting Sites

In the Union Budget 2026-27, the government proposed developing ‘Turtle Trails’ along the coasts of Odisha, Karnataka, and Kerala.

• The Goal: To create an ecotourism circuit centered around the mass nesting grounds of sea turtles, turning a natural wonder into an educational and economic asset.
• The Species: The focus is primarily on the Olive Ridley Turtles, known for their spectacular synchronized nesting.

2. The Conflict: Lights, Camera, Disturbance?

Conservationists and marine biologists have strongly opposed this move, calling it scientifically flawed.

• The Sensitivity: Turtles are extremely sensitive to Artificial Light and movement.
  • Impact: Lights from tourist infrastructure can deter female turtles from laying eggs and disorient hatchlings (babies), causing them to move away from the sea towards the land, leading to death.
• The Verdict: Experts argue that mass nesting sites should be strict ‘No-Go Zones’ to maintain ecological integrity, rather than tourism hubs.

3. The Science of “Arribada”

• Definition: “Arribada” (Spanish for “arrival”) is a unique phenomenon where thousands of female Olive Ridley turtles congregate on the same beach to lay millions of eggs over a few days.
• Key Sites: Odisha hosts the world’s largest mass nesting grounds at Gahirmatha (a Marine Sanctuary) and Rushikulya river mouth.

UPSC Value Box

Q. With reference to the Olive Ridley Turtles, consider the following statements:

1. They are best known for their unique mass nesting called “Arribada”.
2. Gahirmatha in Odisha is one of the world’s largest nesting grounds for these turtles.
3. They are classified as ‘Critically Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (b)