Fishermen Arrested for Violating Turtle Sanctuary Fishing Ban

Seven fishermen from Andhra Pradesh were arrested for illegally fishing in a turtle sanctuary in Odisha. This location is under a fishing ban to protect endangered turtles. So far, 110 arrests have been made since the ban began on November 1. Fishing gear was confiscated, and the men face legal action.

In a significant enforcement action, seven fishermen from Andhra Pradesh's Vizianagaram district were apprehended on Tuesday for allegedly fishing within the protected turtle congregation zone of Odisha's Gahirmatha marine sanctuary. Authorities swiftly seized their fishing gear, citing violations of the stringent Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

The accused fishermen were sent into judicial custody following their arrest, as the state strengthens measures to protect the endangered olive ridley turtles. Since the fishing ban was imposed on November 1, a total of 110 fishermen have been arrested for similar offenses.

The ban stretches across a 20-kilometer area from the Dhamara-Devi river mouth, coinciding with the mass nesting period of the turtles. These marine creatures are at risk of entanglement in fishing nets and injury from trawler propellers, prompting the strict enforcement of the ban.

(With inputs from agencies.)