Over 6,500 baby Ridley turtles hatched in artificial nests on Goa's beaches have been released into the sea, the state's Minister for Forests Vishwajit Rane has said.

"Olive Ridley turtles are one of five marine turtles that visit Goa’s beaches and lay eggs from November to April. In an artificial turtle hatchery, the Forest Department protects and conserves these eggs. Due to scientific management, 89 turtles nested this year, the most in recent years. Around 6500 (6523) young hatchlings have been successfully released," he posted on Facebook.

 "Additional steps to ensure the success of the turtle conservation programme will also be taken,” he added.

The Goa government is aiming to put the coastal state on the country's “Sea Turtle map" for which more areas will be notified for Turtle conservation, the minister said.

At present turtle conservation is being carried out at four nesting beaches in Goa which include Morjim and Mandrem in North Goa, and Agonda and Galgibagh in South Goa.