Crackdown on Illegal Fishing in Gahirmatha Sanctuary

Odisha forest officials arrested 34 fishermen for illegal fishing within Gahirmatha marine sanctuary, a protected zone for Olive Ridley turtles. Two trawlers were seized, and the offenders have been remanded to judicial custody. The state enforces a seven-month fishing ban to protect turtle nesting areas.

In a concerted effort to protect endangered Olive Ridley turtles, Odisha forest officials have arrested 34 fishermen and seized two fishing trawlers from the Gahirmatha marine sanctuary in Kendrapara district. The arrests were made over the past 48 hours, according to forest officer Manas Das.

The trawlers were apprehended for illegal fishing activities within the protected turtle congregation zone, violating several legal provisions, including the Wildlife Protection Act and the Orissa Marine Fishing Regulation Act. The offenders, from Balasore and Mayurbhanj districts, were later remanded to judicial custody.

In response to the ongoing threat to marine life, the state government has implemented a seven-month fishing ban along a 20-km stretch of coastline where mass nesting occurs. Enforcement is active year-round in the Gahirmatha area, designated as a marine sanctuary.

(With inputs from agencies.)