Odisha Govt Clamps 7-Month Ban On Fishing In Sea To Protect Olive Ridleys

Bhubaneswar: In order to protect the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles during their annual sojourn to sea beaches along Odisha coast, the state government on Sunday announced a seven-month ban on fishing in the sea within 5 km from Astaranga beach.

As per the government order, use of motor boats, trawlers and mechanised fishing boats is prohibited Baliharchandi Arhud to Devinasi. Similarly, fishing within 20 km stretch from the mouths of Devi river and Keluni has been banned.

The government has set up patrolling camps, including five off-shore camps, at Devi Mouth, Devinasi, Jahania, Daluakani, Kanarapur and Chandrabhaga to keep a close watch on fishing boats.

The Olive Ridley sea turtles come to beaches at Gahirmatha in Kendrapada, Devi river mouth in Puri and Rushikulya river mouth in Ganjam district for mass nesting during winter season every year.