fishing-banned-along-odisha-coast-to-protect-olive-ridleys

The Odisha government has instituted a seven-month prohibition on marine fishing activities within a 20-kilometre radius of the coast at the river mouths of Dhamara, Devi, and Rusikulya, as part of its annual conservation programme for Olive Ridley turtles, officials announced on Friday.

The fishing ban will be in effect from November 1 until May 31, aimed at ensuring the safety of marine animals during their critical breeding and mating season.

This decision aligns with Sections 2, 7, and 4 of the Orissa Marine Fishing Regulation Act (OMFRA), 1982, alongside the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

The ban is particularly focused on a designated coastal area known for sea turtle congregation and their surrounding buffer zones at the aforementioned river mouths.

Authorities have emphasised the need for strict enforcement of the prohibition, as many turtles perish each year due to entanglement in fishing nets or collisions with fishing trawlers.

A comprehensive patrolling initiative will be implemented, involving collaboration between forest, fisheries, and marine police, in addition to the coast guard.

According to Sudarshan Gopinath Yadav, Divisional Forest Officer of the Rajnagar Mangrove (Wildlife) Forest Division, to enhance enforcement, 61 onshore camps and five offshore camps have been established across four wildlife divisions in the state: Bhadrak, Rajnagar, Puri, and Berhampur.

In total, five high-speed boats, 13 trawlers, and support boats will be deployed to monitor and intercept illegal fishing activities within the restricted zones.

The fishing ban is set to impact approximately 10,666 families of fishermen. In light of this, the Odisha government has announced a one-time livelihood assistance payment of ₹7,500 for those affected by the ban.

During this period, female Olive Ridley turtles are expected to arrive at the nesting beaches at night, a phenomenon known as 'arribada,' to lay their eggs.

Following this, the turtles return to the sea, and hatchlings emerge after 45 to 60 days, navigating their first journey independently of their mothers.

It is noteworthy that a year-round fishing ban is already in place along the Gahirmatha coast, recognised as the largest habitat corridor for these endangered marine species.

Gahirmatha has also been designated as a marine sanctuary to support the congregation of Olive Ridley turtles, according to forest officials.