From fishing net rescue to Oman waters: Olive Ridley reveals new migration path

Dhaval Laxmi. Pic courtesy/Mangrove Cell; (right) Tagging helps in turtle conservation. Pic Courtesy/Mohan Upadhye

Rescued from fishing nets off the Maharashtra coast and later satellite-tagged, an Olive Ridley sea turtle has surprised scientists by swimming across the Arabian Sea to near Masirah Island off Oman, revealing an unexpected migration route. Tracked by the Wildlife Institute of India in collaboration with the Mangrove Foundation and the Dahanu Forest Division, the turtle - named Dhaval Laxmi - defied earlier patterns that showed southward coastal movement. Scientists say the east-west journey suggests Maharashtra's turtles may belong to wider Arabian Sea populations.

Why this journey matters

First satellite-tracked Olive Ridley from Maharashtra to move east-west across the Arabian Sea
Challenges: Earlier data showing southward coastal migration
. Indicates turtles along Maharashtra may belong to wider Arabian Sea populations

What scientists say

"This kind of east-west movement was not something we had expected," said Dr Suresh Kumar, senior scientist, Wildlife Institute of India
. The turtle may be returning to its original foraging or nesting grounds
. Olive Ridleys may nest at multiple locations across years

Official view

"Continued tracking will provide valuable insights into population distribution, movement patterns, feeding areas and behaviour," said SV Ramarao, additional principal chief conservator of forest (APCCF) and head, Mangrove Cell

Current location

As of February 22, Dhaval Laxmi was tracked 190 km southeast of Masirah Island, off the coast of Oman

Do you know?

Released
November 2025
Total distance travelled
1800 km
Straight-line distance
More than 850 km

About Masirah Island

. One of the region's key sea turtle nesting sites
. Supports green, loggerhead and hawksbill turtles
. Surrounding waters are rich in marine biodiversity

Journey timeline

Dec 22, 2025: Moves west; enters Gujarat waters
Dec 29: 400 km from Dahanu, off Porbandar
Jan 5: Reaches deep Arabian Sea waters
Feb 2: 920 km west of Mumbai
Feb 5: 500 km from Oman; dives up to 250 m
Feb 11: 395 km from Oman
Feb 22: 190 km southeast of Masirah Island

Nov 20, 2025
Day when the rescued Olive Ridley was satellite tagged