Long-term monitoring of offshore populations

Offshore olive ridley turtle populations are monitored during the breeding season. The aim is to understand spatial and temporal variation in the density and distribution of turtle aggregations.

Since 2010, we have initiated offshore aggregation monitoring using a line transect-based approach. These in-water surveys provide information on the location and movement of turtle aggregations and offer an additional metric for assessing long-term population trends beyond nesting data. This spatial understanding is essential to help inform discussions around fishing practices and management measures aimed at reducing fisheries conflict.

Nesting beach monitoring and population trends

Daily night patrols are conducted along the 4 km long nesting beach at Rushikulya to estimate solitary nesting intensity throughout the season. In addition, mass nesting, or arribada, censuses are carried out using a standardised procedure to assess nesting population trends.

These surveys form the backbone of long-term monitoring at the site and allow for consistent comparison across years.

Reproductive output and hatchling success

Clutch size, hatching success, and emergence success are measured to estimate annual reproductive output. These measurements allow variation in reproductive performance to be assessed across seasons and years, and help identify factors influencing nesting success.

Climate influences on reproduction

The project also examines the potential impacts of changing temperatures on hatchling sex ratios. We record nesting temperatures at the beach and determine primary sex ratios through gonad histology of dead hatchlings.

This work contributes to understanding how temperature-driven processes may influence sea turtle populations under changing climatic conditions.

Nesting habitat dynamics and shoreline change

The nesting beach at Rushikulya is highly dynamic, with changes in shape and form occurring annually. We monitor variations in beach slope and width throughout the nesting season to understand how these changes influence nesting intensity and reproductive success.

In addition, beach mapping is conducted to document shoreline changes within and across years, helping link habitat dynamics to nesting patterns.

Capacity building and collaboration

Alongside research, we work closely with the local forest department to conduct training and capacity-building workshops for frontline staff. These focus on arribada census techniques, data management, hatchery maintenance and best practices and hatchling release techniques.

We also collaborate with local sea turtle conservation organisations to conduct training workshops and outreach programmes, strengthening local capacity for long-term monitoring and conservation.