In an interesting development, the satellite tagged female turtle Prathma which had reached Gujarat has returned back is currently near Konkan coast. Similarly another female turtle, Rewa, which had entered Karnataka waters has taken a turn and is currently off Goa coast. Virendra Tiwari, additional principal chief conservator of forests, Mangrove Cell, said, “The female turtle Prathma which had entered Gujarat waters has returned and is currently in front of Velas beach, around 80 km offshore.”

Rewa, on the other hand, has turned north and remains on the edge of the continental shelf, about 250 km offshore. Five Olive Ridley turtles have been successfully tagged and are being monitored by Wildlife Institute of India along with the Mangrove Foundation team and local forest staff.