Eight Fishermen Held for Illegal Fishing in Gahirmatha Sanctuary

Bhubaneswar: The Forest Department has arrested eight fishermen for fishing in the prohibited zone of Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary under Mahakalapada block in Kendrapara district.

During the operation, officials seized a fishing trawler, a VHF set, seven fishing nets, and 25 kilograms of fish from the accused.

The arrests come as a seven-month fishing ban came into effect at the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary from November 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026. The ban aims to protect the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles during their annual nesting season.

The restriction extends up to 20 km off the Bay of Bengal coast and will be enforced jointly by the Marine Fishery Department, under the provisions of the Orissa Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1982, the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and the Orissa Marine Fishing Rules, 1983.

Recognized as the world’s largest rookery of Olive Ridley turtles, Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary witnesses the arrival of thousands of turtles every year for mass nesting. To ensure their safety and create a suitable nesting environment, forest officials from Bhitarkanika have sought support from the Coast Guard, Marine Police, and the Fisheries Department to intensify patrolling and surveillance in and around the sanctuary.