Archive · 18 Jan 2026
Olive Ridley Turtles Nesting Increases in Tamil Nadu
Olive Ridley turtles are laying eggs more along the coast of Tamil Nadu, especially in Mayiladuthurai and Nagapattinam.
The season started late because of rough seas and wet beaches.
Now, with better weather, more turtles are coming to lay eggs.
Officials are collecting eggs and protecting them in special places called hatcheries.
They are also teaching people in coastal villages how to keep the turtles safe.
Some turtles have died, but the number is low.
The best time for nesting is in February, and officials hope more turtles will come then.
Olive Ridley turtles' nesting activity is increasing in Mayiladuthurai and Nagapattinam districts of Tamil Nadu.
48 nestings recorded in Mayiladuthurai and 24 in Nagapattinam, with over 9,000 eggs collected so far.
Delayed nesting due to rough sea conditions and waterlogged beaches, but activity expected to intensify with improving conditions.
February is traditionally the peak nesting period, with authorities optimistic about more turtles arriving.
Continuous rainfall has hampered night patrols, but officials anticipate increased nesting activity over the weekend.
- Who
- Olive Ridley turtles, Forest Department, Fisheries Department
- What
- Increase in nesting activity and egg collection
- When
- Nesting season started late, with first nesting in Mayiladuthurai on December 31, 2025
- Where
- Mayiladuthurai and Nagapattinam districts, Tamil Nadu
- Why
- Improving sea conditions and awareness programs for safer nesting
- Nestings in Mayiladuthurai
- 48
- Nestings in Nagapattinam
- 24
- Total eggs collected
- 9,000+
- Eggs in Mayiladuthurai
- 5,750
- Eggs in Nagapattinam
- 3,574
- Hatcheries in Nagapattinam
- 9
- Hatcheries in Mayiladuthurai
- 11
- Turtle carcasses in Nagapattinam
- 9