India, Feb. 22 -- As many as 5,55,638 eggs have been laid by the endangered Olive Ridley turtle species at Rushikulya and Devi River mouth to Astaranga near Paradip in Odisha symbolising collective conservation efforts of State Government, Coast Guard and other stakeholder towards wildlife protection.

Coast Guard on Thursday said it has launched the annual operation to ensure the safe mid-sea sojourn of breeding Olive Ridley sea turtles and mass nesting of these delicate marine species in Odisha. The Olive Ridley turtles turn up in millions for mass nesting along the Odisha coast every year between February and March.

Conservationists have established protected areas on beaches off Odisha coast where these turtles lay their eggs and thu...