In the lead-up to the highly anticipated mass nesting of Olive Ridley turtles at the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary in Kendrapara district, Odisha, forest officials have arrested 10 fishermen for violating fishing restrictions within the turtle congregation zone. The arrests were made on Monday, as part of ongoing efforts to protect the endangered species during their nesting season.
The fishermen, who were found using trawlers in the prohibited sanctuary area, had their vessels seized by forest patrol teams. The Gahirmatha beach is expected to witness the mass nesting of Olive Ridley turtles in the first fortnight of March, a critical time for conservation efforts.
According to Assistant Conservator of Forests Manas Das, the arrested fishermen were later remanded to judicial custody. The individuals violated several legal provisions, including the Wildlife Protection Act, the Orissa Marine Fishing Regulation Act, and the rules governing the marine sanctuary.
This latest round of arrests brings the total number of fishermen apprehended since November 1, 2024, to around 330, with 30 fishing vessels seized. The Odisha government had imposed a seven-month trawler fishing ban along a 20-kilometer stretch from the Dhamara to the Devi River mouth, beginning on November 1, in an effort to safeguard the turtles during their nesting period.
While the fishing ban is temporarily lifted for certain areas during the nesting period, the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary enforces a year-round prohibition on fishing activities to protect the turtles' habitat.
In the previous mass nesting season of May 2024, over 3 lakh Olive Ridley turtles were recorded at Gahirmatha. However, the turtles have yet to appear in the region for their 2025 nesting season.
The authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure the protection of the Olive Ridley turtles as they prepare for their annual mass nesting.
The fishermen, who were found using trawlers in the prohibited sanctuary area, had their vessels seized by forest patrol teams. The Gahirmatha beach is expected to witness the mass nesting of Olive Ridley turtles in the first fortnight of March, a critical time for conservation efforts.
According to Assistant Conservator of Forests Manas Das, the arrested fishermen were later remanded to judicial custody. The individuals violated several legal provisions, including the Wildlife Protection Act, the Orissa Marine Fishing Regulation Act, and the rules governing the marine sanctuary.
This latest round of arrests brings the total number of fishermen apprehended since November 1, 2024, to around 330, with 30 fishing vessels seized. The Odisha government had imposed a seven-month trawler fishing ban along a 20-kilometer stretch from the Dhamara to the Devi River mouth, beginning on November 1, in an effort to safeguard the turtles during their nesting period.
While the fishing ban is temporarily lifted for certain areas during the nesting period, the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary enforces a year-round prohibition on fishing activities to protect the turtles' habitat.
In the previous mass nesting season of May 2024, over 3 lakh Olive Ridley turtles were recorded at Gahirmatha. However, the turtles have yet to appear in the region for their 2025 nesting season.
The authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure the protection of the Olive Ridley turtles as they prepare for their annual mass nesting.