Konark: At least 15 fishermen were detained on Saturday for allegedly trespassing despite the fishing ban imposed near Astarang at Devi river mouth.
According to sources, the area has been declared a no-entry zone since November 1 to protect the endangered Olive Ridley turtles during the mass nesting season.
Two trawlers of the fishermen have also been seized, said sources.
It is pertinent to mention here that seven fishermen were arrested on Friday at the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary. A trawler containing 12 quintal fish, fishing nets, and two GPS devices were seized from their possession.
Also Read: Olive Ridley Turtles Back In Odisha’s Gahirmatha For Mass Nesting
To facilitate the mating of Olive Ridley turtles, the Forest department had asked fishermen not to venture into the sea within 20 km of the coastline covering 1,435 sq km of the sea from Hukitola to Dhamra.
Around 16 turtle protection camps, including three offshore ones at Agaranashi, Barunei and Babubali islands, have been established to protect these endangered reptiles.
The Odisha government has imposed a seven-month-long ban on fishing activities, from November 1-May 31, to ensure that the turtles do not get entangled in fishing nets or come under the trawlers during their breeding season.
The ban is being imposed in accordance with Sections 2, 7, and 4 of the Orissa Marine Fishing Regulation Act (OMFRA), 1982, and provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Also Read: Olive Ridley Nesting: Sea Patrolling Begins Off Rusikulya Coast In Odisha’s Ganjam
