Bhubaneswar: In a major operation, the forest department has arrested seven fishermen for illegally fishing in the Gahiramatha marine sanctuary, a protected area in Kendrapara district.
The Ekakula section’s forest personnel conducted a raid and seized four fishing nets, one GPS device, VHF, and approximately 50 kg of fish.
The Gahiramatha marine sanctuary is a designated no-fishing zone, aimed at protecting the olive ridley turtles and their habitat. The arrested fishermen are currently in custody, and further action is being taken by the authorities.
The sanctuary is a crucial nesting ground for the endangered olive ridley turtles, and the forest department is taking strict measures to prevent illegal fishing activities that threaten the marine ecosystem.
