Panaji: North Goa has recorded a total of 7,823 olive ridley turtle eggs laid, which have been relocated to protected hatcheries so far this nesting season. According to data from the nesting sites, the eggs were collected from 76 nests identified across several beaches and shifted to hatcheries to improve survival rates. So far, 2,513 hatchlings have been released into the sea, with more expected as the remaining eggs incubate.Morjim emerged as the primary nesting hotspot, accounting for 4,013 eggs, more than half of the season’s total. Mandrem followed with 1,375 eggs, indicating strong nesting activity in the Pernem belt.Other beaches have also contributed to the tally, including Vagator with 972 eggs and Candolim with 547 eggs. Smaller but notable numbers were recorded at Ashvem (316), Keri (257), Calangute (238), and Arambol (105).Beaches like Arambol and Keri are yet to record hatchling releases this season, suggesting that several nests are still in the incubation phase.Officials noted that the high number of eggs can be attributed to the continued ecological importance of beaches, particularly known for ideal nesting grounds for olive ridley turtles.Over the past few years, the number of eggs has been only slightly above 10,000 per season. In 2023, the season yielded 16,312 eggs, and in 2024, a bumper nesting season produced 45,493 eggs. Last season, Goa saw a total of 34,630 olive ridley turtle eggs laid across 10 beaches. The highest number of eggs was recorded at Agonda beach with 13,654 eggs, followed by Morjim with 10,983. The lowest count was reported at Anjuna, with just 132.
