BERHAMPUR: The Olive Ridley sea turtles, the rare and endangered marine turtle species of the world, have started arriving for mating at Rushikulya rookery in Ganjam district. According to wildlife officials, mating of Olive Ridleys is now at its peak and hundreds of pairs are visible within a radius of around 7 km from the coastline near the rookery. This year, these turtles have arrived in time. The Olive Ridleys usually start their single mating season every year in the sea near their preferred nesting coast. After the end of the mating season, most male turtles usually return back leaving behind the females to lay their eggs. While the nesting of Olive Ridleys starts from monthend in sporadic manner, the peak period is February. Measures have been initiated to protect these mating Olive Ridleys in the sea. Fishing has been banned in the area where these turtles are congregating to check turtles