Bhubaneswar: A forest patrol team from Barunei Forest Section in Kendrapara conducted a midnight raid and apprehended eight fishermen for illegally fishing in the prohibited zone of Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary – the world’s largest rookery of Olive Ridley sea turtles.
The forest department has imposed seven-month annual fishing ban to protect turtle nesting. The raiding team seized 11 large fishing nets, one GPS device, two VHF communication sets, and a country boat from the offenders. Forest officials also seized approximately 14 quintals of fish caught from the prohibited coastal waters off the sanctuary.
The seven-month fishing ban from 1 November to 31 May is strictly enforced every year within Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary to ensure safe nesting and hatching of the endangered Olive Ridley turtles.
With the latest interception, around 120 fishermen have so far been arrested for acts of intrusion into the marine sanctuary, officials said.
Forest Officials said that sea and land patrolling will continue throughout the nesting season with the help of Coast Guard and Marine Police to prevent further illegal fishing inside the sanctuary.
