Data to be collected on migration routes, foraging grounds, and population patterns
The first tagged Olive Ridley. Pics/ By Mangrove Cell/Maharashtra forest department
For the first time on the Dahanu coast, the Mangrove Cell has fitted a satellite tag on an Olive Ridley turtle to track its journey from the shoreline. The initiative aims to collect crucial data on migration routes, foraging grounds and population patterns along India’s western coast.
The Dahanu forest division and the Mangrove Cell of the Maharashtra forest department, in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India, satellite-tagged a female Olive Ridley at Dahanu in Palghar district. The turtle, found entangled in a fishing net on August 10, 2025, was rescued by fishermen, who noticed injuries on both front flippers and handed it over to the Turtle Treatment Centre. After treatment and full recovery, it was fitted with a satellite transmitter. It is the first Olive Ridley tagged from Palghar district, and the eighth tagged along the Maharashtra coastline.
Three other Olive Ridley turtles with tags were also released on Thursday
Additional PCCF and Head of the Mangrove Cell, SV Ramarao, said the turtle — named Dhaval Lakshmi — responded well to treatment and was released off the Dahanu coast after tagging, with support from WII experts. Three other Olive Ridley turtles with flipper tags were also released on Thursday. Officials hope the data will reveal movement and migration patterns from northern Maharashtra.
The Maharashtra coast sees sporadic Olive Ridley nesting. This is the first such project on the western shoreline. The Mangrove Foundation and the forest department have commissioned WII to conduct the study ‘Tracking the migratory movements of Olive Ridley sea turtles off the coast of Maharashtra”. This Phase 2 research aims to understand population distribution, movement, foraging grounds and behaviour, with more such initiatives planned.
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