Dhaval Lakshmi currently in deep seas about 715 km from Dahanu coast; a team of researchers under the supervision of Dr Suresh Kumar, senior scientist at the Wildlife Institute of India, has been tracking the movement of Dhaval Lakshmi in coordination with Mangrove Cell and Dahanu Forest Division
Dhaval Lakshmi is released into the Arabian Sea off the coast of Dahanu in Palghar district in November 2025. PIC COURTESY/Mangrove Cell/Maharashtra Forest Dept
When Dhaval Lakshmi, a satellite-tagged female Olive Ridley turtle, was released off the Dahanu coast in late November, she began a long journey at sea. After earlier moving towards Gujarat, the turtle has now returned to Maharashtra waters and is currently in deep seas, about 715 km from Dahanu. Over the past week, satellite data shows she has been moving in a southwestward direction.
A team of researchers under the supervision of Dr Suresh Kumar, senior scientist at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), has been tracking the movement of Dhaval Lakshmi in coordination with Mangrove Cell and Dahanu Forest Division.
Speaking with mid-day, Dr Kumar said, “Dhaval Lakshmi, released into the sea in November, has so far travelled nearly 1000 km, while the straight-line distance covered stands at around 850 km from Mumbai. We are continuously monitoring her movements through satellite data to better understand her travel route, behaviour at sea, and the progress of her ongoing journey.”
According to the Mangrove Cell, as of January 13, the satellite-tagged turtle was located approximately 715 km from the Dahanu coast and continues to remain in deep waters. Over the past week, she has exhibited southwestward movement.
The Dahanu Forest Division and the Mangrove Cell of the Maharashtra Forest Department, along with WII, had attached the satellite transmitter to a female Olive Ridley turtle in Palghar district and released it back into the sea in November. The turtle was found entangled in a fishing net on August 10, 2025, and was rescued by local fishermen who noticed injuries on both her front flippers. She was then taken to the Turtle Treatment Centre for care and recovery.
After receiving treatment, the turtle — named Dhaval Lakshmi — was fitted with a satellite tag and released into the sea with support from WII experts. This is the first Olive Ridley to be tagged in Palghar District and the eighth along the Maharashtra coastline. A female Olive Ridley lays 100-150 eggs at a time, which take about 45-55 days to hatch.
Inter-state travel
December 22, 2025: Dhaval Lakshmi moved further west from the Maharashtra coastline, travelling over 200 km west of Dahanu and entering Gujarat waters, about 83 km south of Somnath
December 29, 2025: She continued her westward journey into the Arabian Sea and was recorded around 400 km from Dahanu, and approximately 100 km off the Porbandar coast
January 5: Dhaval Lakshmi had reached the open, deep waters of the Arabian Sea, located nearly 650 km from the Dahanu coast
Understanding Olive Ridley sea turtles
The Mangrove Cell and the forest department have tasked WII with conducting the study titled ‘Tracking the Migratory Movements of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles off the Coast of Maharashtra’. This second phase of research aims to study population distribution, movement, feeding areas and behaviour, with more tagging projects planned in the future.
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