The Odisha government has initiated a seven-month-long prohibition on sea fishing within a 20 km radius of the Kendrapara coast, where Olive Ridley turtles come ashore to nest and lay eggs. This annual measure, effective from November 1 to May 31, aims to safeguard marine animals, particularly Olive Ridley turtles, during their crucial mating and breeding season.
The designated areas under restriction include the sea surrounding the mouths of rivers Dhamara, Devi, and Rusikulya. The decision is in accordance with the provisions of the Orissa Marine Fishing Regulation Act (OMFRA), 1982, and the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The prohibition is crucial to prevent the turtles from perishing in fishing nets or being harmed by the propellers of fishing trawlers.
To enforce the prohibition effectively, a comprehensive patrolling exercise has been established, involving forest, fisheries, and marine police, along with Coast Guard personnel. Sixty-one on-shore camps and five off-shore camps have been set up across the state’s wildlife divisions, and armed police constabulary forces will accompany the patrolling teams. Additionally, five high-speed boats, 13 trawlers, and support boats are deployed to intercept illegal marine fishing activities in prohibited zones.
While the prohibition is a crucial conservation effort, it will impact more than 10,600 fishermen families. To address this, the state government has decided to provide one-time livelihood assistance of Rs 15,500 to each affected fishermen family.
Notably, Gahirmatha coast, acclaimed as the largest Olive Ridley turtle habitation corridor, already enforces a year-round blanket ban on sea fishing. Designated as a marine sanctuary due to the congregation of Olive Ridley turtles, Gahirmatha coast witnesses the rare natural phenomenon of ‘Arribada,’ where female turtles invade nesting beaches to lay eggs, contributing to the conservation of this endangered species.
