Kendrapara Odisha : Forest officials in Kendrapara district have arrested eleven fishermen and seized their trawler for illegal fishing inside the protected turtle habitation zones of the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary. The patrol team intercepted the vessel during routine surveillance and found it operating in restricted waters where fishing is strictly prohibited.
All the arrested fishermen belong to different coastal areas of Kendrapara district. They were produced before the court and later sent to judicial custody under provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. This action reflects the continuous efforts of the forest department to curb illegal intrusion into the sanctuary.
With this latest arrest the total number of fishermen held since November 1 has reached 130 while nearly a dozen fishing vessels have been seized during the ongoing enforcement drive. Officials stated that patrolling along the sanctuary and surrounding areas has been strengthened to prevent further violations during the sensitive marine turtle season.
The Odisha government has imposed a seven month fishing ban from November 1 to May 31 along a 20 kilometre stretch between the Dhamara and Devi river mouths. This period marks the annual arrival and mass nesting season of the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles. While this restriction is seasonal in other coastal areas Gahirmatha remains under a permanent no fishing rule due to its status as a marine sanctuary and one of the most important turtle nesting grounds in the world.
Forest officers explained that illegal fishing poses a direct threat to Olive Ridleys. Many turtles die from suffocation after getting trapped in nets and others are fatally injured when struck by high speed trawlers. Despite repeated awareness programmes a few fishing groups continue to venture into prohibited waters resulting in strict action from enforcement teams.
Officials emphasised that protecting Gahirmatha is crucial for the long term survival of the species. The region hosts lakhs of nesting turtles every year and continuous patrolling along with community awareness initiatives is essential for their conservation.
The forest department warned that enforcement will continue and any violation of sanctuary guidelines will invite strong legal action.
