Odisha Imposes Fishing Ban To Protect Olive Ridleys Along Coast

Bhubaneswar: The state government on Tuesday imposed the annual ban on fishing by motorised vessels along the coast due to mass nesting of Olive Ridley turtles from November 1 to May, 2022.

At a meeting on the Action Plan for 2021-22, which was chaired by chief secretary SC Mahapatra here, it was decided to ban fishing by the motorised vessels, trawlers and mechanised techniques within 20 km from the coast. It will be strictly implemented particularly in the Olive Ridley nesting areas at Dhamara river mouth, Devi river mouth and Rusikulya river mouth.

Mahapatra directed the departments of forest and environment, fisheries and animal resource development, police, marine police, coast guard and port authorities to ensure conservation of the Olive Ridleys.

The Coast Guard has been requested to ensure real time intelligence sharing with the departments about any illegal fishing, while DRDO, Dhamara Port, Gopalpur Port and Paradeep port authorities have been told not to disturb the turtles coming from the sea for nesting.

It was also decided that the regional conservator of forests would monitor the operations in their areas in coordination with district administration, police and other departments, while  a central monitoring unit will be set up in office of the Chief Wildlife Warden.