KARACHI: The awe-inspiring natural event known as arribada—the synchronized mass nesting of Olive Ridley sea turtles—has vanished from Pakistan’s shores, experts report. Once a common sight along the country’s coastline, the unique species has not been recorded nesting in Pakistan since 2001.
Arribada, a Spanish term meaning “arrival,” refers to the extraordinary phenomenon where thousands of female Olive Ridley turtles come ashore to lay eggs. This event occurs at select beaches across the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, with countries like Mexico, Costa Rica, and India hosting some of the largest arribada events. Despite confirmed Olive Ridley migration routes near Pakistan, the country has not witnessed any nesting in over two decades.
Marine experts believe a combination of environmental and human-induced factors have contributed to the disappearance of these turtles from Pakistani beaches. Moazzam Khan, Technical Advisor to WWF Pakistan, cited climate change as a potential factor, while Dr. Babar Hussain of IUCN Pakistan pointed to the devastating impact of the 2003 Tasman Spirit oil spill off Karachi’s coast. According to Hussain, this incident severely damaged marine biodiversity, and since then, Olive Ridley turtles have not been sighted.
Olive Ridley turtles, known for their olive-green shells, are the smallest and most abundant sea turtles globally. Their synchronized nesting behavior, where hundreds of females come ashore to lay between 100 and 120 eggs, is a remarkable natural event. However, the disappearance of this phenomenon from Pakistan is not just a scientific concern—it also represents a missed opportunity for eco-tourism.
Experts stress that the loss of arribada is a reminder of the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. The event is not only a spectacular natural display but also an important indicator of the health of the environment.
