The Odisha government has decided to impose a fishing ban, within 20 km from specified coastal areas, for 7 months (from November 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025) to protect the nests of the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles, an official said on Friday.
A detailed action plan was chalked out at the meeting of the state high-powered committee on conservation of Olive Ridley turtles.
The Olive Ridley sea turtles come to Gahirmatha beach in Kendrapara district, Devi river mouth in Puri district, and Rushikulya river mouth in Ganjam district to lay eggs every year.
In view of this there will be a fishing ban, use of motor boats, trawlers, and mechanized fishing boats will be prohibited within 20 km from the sea turtle congregation area and their buffer zones in Dhamara, Devi and Rushikulya river mouths.
A central monitoring unit would be set up in the office of the Chief Wildlife Warden, and wide awareness activities would be undertaken for the purpose, said the official. Patrolling camp sites including onshore camps would be operated round the clock. Armed police would be deployed for patrolling and enforcement activities.