The persistent mortality of vulnerable marine species like the Olive Ridley turtle underscores a systemic 'policy-implementation' gap where regulatory frameworks collide with socio-economic realities and urban expansion. Critically examine the multi-dimensional challenges in marine conservation and suggest an integrated governance model that aligns ecological cycles with sustainable development goals.

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• The Olive Ridley turtle, a vulnerable marine species, faces persistent mortality due to fishing practices, coastal urbanisation, and climate-induced habitat changes, highlighting a systemic policy–i...

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• Regulatory and institutional challenges: – India’s Wildlife Protection Act (1972), Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notifications, and national marine turtle conservation guidelines provide a robust legal framework. – Enforcement deficits, overlapping jurisdictions between Fisheries Departments, State Pollution Boards, and local authorities reduce efficacy. – Inadequate monitoring of bycatch, trawl fishing, and nesting sites limits actionable data.

• Socio-economic realities: – Coastal communities rely on fishing for livelihoods; restrictions on mechanised trawling and turtle-safe nets face resistance. – Urban expansion, tourism, and port development degrade nesting beaches and disrupt ecological cycles. – Poverty and lack of alternative livelihoods create tension between conservation goals and human well-being.

• Multi-dimensional ecological challenges: – Climate change affects migratory patterns, breeding cycles, and beach erosion. – Marine pollution and microplastics increase mortality and affect the food web. – Conservation strategies often fail to account for species’ life-history and ecosystem interdependencies.

• Integrated governance model: – Co-management frameworks involving local communities, fisher cooperatives, and scientific institutions. – Spatial planning aligning coastal development with turtle nesting cycles. – Market-based incentives, such as eco-labelling and sustainable tourism, integrated with SDG targets on life below water (SDG 14). – Real-time monitoring and inter-agency coordination using GIS and AI tools to enhance enforcement and adaptive management.

• Conclusion: – Bridging the policy–implementation gap requires aligning ecological cycles, socio-economic realities, and regulatory instruments to achieve sustainable marine conservation.

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