Team Herald
MARGAO: An independent study has highlighted a positive trend in the increase of Olive Ridley turtle egg counts at Agonda and Galgibag beaches, despite human activities pertaining to tourism.
A study carried out by Sayali Krishnanand Gaunkar, Assistant Professor of Sociology, Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Quepem has recorded the data on the nesting activity of Olive Ridley turtles at Agonda and Galgibag beaches in South Goa from 2020 to 2025 (till date).
The recorded egg counts indicate a consistent increase at Agonda, with the Agonda-to-Galgibag ratio rising from approximately 1.2–2:1 in 2020 to 4.1:1 in 2024.
In 2024, Agonda recorded 18,011 eggs, while Galgibag recorded 4,369 eggs. The 2025 projections estimate egg counts of 10,000–14,000 at Agonda and 3,000–4,500 at Galgibag, with a projected ratio of 3–4:1.The number of eggs laid has increased over the past five years.
It is pertinent to note that Agonda Beach, a critical nesting site for the endangered Olive Ridley turtles, has recently come under legal and environmental scrutiny. The High Court of Bombay at Goa ordered the closure of 67 businesses violating regulatory guidelines, citing concerns over environmental compliance and the authorities’ failure to prevent commercial developments in areas protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. These closures have led to uncertainty and distress among local business owners, particularly those in the tourism sector, which plays a crucial role in the region’s economy.
In response to these closures, locals staged a silent protest to express both their solidarity and the hardships they were experiencing.
Speaking to O Heraldo, Prof Gaunkar said that she had participated as an unbiased observer, documenting the community’s response to these changes.
“Agonda Beach, despite being a tourist hotspot, has recorded higher Olive Ridley turtle nesting numbers than the more secluded Galgibag Beach. This challenges the common belief that human activity always harms wildlife. Agonda’s case suggests that when managed responsibly, human presence does not always lead to ecological decline but can sometimes support conservation in unexpected ways,” she stated.
According to her study, the recent increase in Olive Ridley turtle nesting at Agonda Beach, particularly the significant rise in 2024 with 18,011 eggs laid, suggests that tourism activities have not disrupted the natural nesting process.
“For many families in Agonda, tourism is the primary source of income, supporting employment in hospitality, transport and food service. The closure of 67 establishments due to alleged CRZ violations seriously threatens these livelihoods, affecting not only business owners, but also numerous workers and their families who rely on tourism for their survival,” she added.
However, she is of the opinion that concerns surrounding Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) compliance persist; a balanced approach is necessary—one that enforces environmental protection while safeguarding the community’s economic interests.
Gaunkar’s study suggests that instead of a blanket closure, the authorities could implement a collaborative framework that ensures compliance with CRZ norms while allowing responsible tourism to continue.