23 Fishermen Arrested, Two Trawlers Seized for Illegal Fishing in Gahirmatha Sanctuary

Bhubaneswar: Forest Department officials have arrested 23 fishermen and seized two fishing trawlers for illegal fishing inside the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary in Kendrapara district, officials said on Tuesday.

The fishermen were caught operating in a prohibited zone in violation of sanctuary regulations during the ongoing Olive Ridley sea turtle nesting season. Those arrested belong to Balasore and Mayurbhanj districts.

During the operation, forest officials seized 25 fishing nets, four GPS devices, three VHF communication sets, two fish finder machines, and around eight quintals of fish from the trawlers.

The Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary is a protected area where fishing is strictly banned to safeguard the endangered Olive Ridley turtles. To further protect the turtles’ nesting grounds, the Odisha government has imposed a seven-month ban on trawler fishing along the 20-kilometre stretch from the Dhamara river mouth to the Devi river mouth.

The Forest Department has intensified sea patrols to curb illegal fishing activities and ensure the protection of Olive Ridley turtles. Officials said that so far around 200 fishermen have been arrested for violating sanctuary norms during the current season.