Berhampur, Dec 17: Olive Ridley sea turtles were spotted off Ganjam coast in Odisha as the endangered species gathered in the Rushikulya river-mouth for the mating season.
It is likely to pick up gradually in the next few days.
The turtles usually start their mating in second or third week of November. But this time the process has been delayed.
Rushikulya river mouth is touted as the second largest rookery of Olive Ridley turtles in the world after Gahiramatha in Kendrapara district of the state.
Patrolling has been intensified in the area to provide security to turtles and reduce mortality.
Besides, a 10-member sea patrolling squad has also been deployed. The squad has two speed boats and two trawlers.
The government has imposed ban on fishing by mechanized boats in 20-km radius off the coast. In the last two months, 28 turtle carcasses have been found along Ganjam coast, he said.
The mass nesting of the turtles will take place in the last week of February or first week of March. Hatchlings would emerge from the eggs after 45 to 60 days and find their way into the sea.
