Odisha Imposes 7-Month Fishing Ban At Gahirmatha To Protect Olive Ridley Turtles

Bhubaneswar The Odisha government has imposed a seven-month ban on all types of fishing from November 1 to May 31 to protect the endangered Olive Ridley turtles which come to Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary for laying eggs every winter.

Gahirmatha is the world’s largest rookery of the sea turtles within Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapada district.

Trawlers and boatmen have been directed not to fish within 20 km of the coastline in the marine sanctuary area, which is spread over 1,435 sq km from Hukitola to Dhamra.

The restriction on marine fishing activity also extends to Rushikulya, Dhamra, and Devi river mouths in the state to ensure a safe mating and breeding season for the guest turtles who travel to Odisha from far-off places, including the Pacific Ocean.

To reinforce protection efforts, the Forest Department has set up dedicated turtle protection camps in the area and deployed marine police personnel.

The turtles are expected to arrive in November for mating. The female marine species will lay eggs in March next year.