Sun Apr 06 13:49:58 UTC 2025: ## Olive Ridley Turtle Nesting Numbers Down in Alappuzha Despite Hatchlings’ Success

**ALAPPUZHA, April 6, 2025** – Despite facing environmental challenges, a small number of Olive Ridley turtles successfully nested along Alappuzha’s coastline during the 2024-25 season. Conservationists reported finding four nests containing over 500 eggs between Thottappally and Alappuzha. One nest in Punnapra has already hatched, releasing 109 hatchlings into the sea. This contrasts sharply with the record 21 nests and over 1,200 hatchlings observed in 2022-23.

While the successful hatching is cause for some optimism, conservationists, such as Saji Jayamohan of the Green Roots Nature Conservation Forum, express serious concern about the deteriorating ecological conditions. They cite mineral sand mining at Thottappally and coastal erosion as significant threats to the turtles’ nesting grounds. A crucial 3-km nesting site between Thottappally and Pallana is rapidly shrinking due to these activities, leaving only an 800-meter stretch remaining, and even that is diminishing.

Sand mining, described by the government as “maintenance dredging” and “desilting,” continues to be a contentious issue. While mining at Thottappally pozhi recently halted due to a contract expiry, the government is expected to renew the agreement soon.

To improve the survival rate of Olive Ridley eggs, conservationists plan to introduce a portable hatchery for the upcoming nesting season. The continued decline in nesting sites highlights the urgent need for stronger environmental protection measures to safeguard this endangered species.

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