Berhampur: With the arrival of the Olive Ridley turtles’ breeding season, the Forest Department has rolled out stringent measures to ensure the protection of these rare marine visitors along the Rushikulya river mouth in Ganjam district — one of the world’s most important nesting sites for the species.
To safeguard the turtles during their mating, nesting, and hatching period, a no-fishing zone has been declared from November 1 to May 31, covering a stretch of 20 km into the sea from Aryapalli near Rushikulya mouth to Prayagi. During these seven months, fishing activities will remain completely prohibited.
Berhampur Divisional Forest Officer Soni Khokhar said that special camps will be set up at 11 strategic locations, where forest staff will maintain round-the-clock vigil. “Strict action will be taken against violators. Continuous sea patrolling will be enforced up to 20 km offshore in collaboration with the Marine Police and Marine Fisheries Department,” she added.
To mitigate livelihood losses during the ban, the government has announced a compensation of ₹15,000 per affected fisherman family, though local fishermen have urged the administration to increase this amount.
Meanwhile, Sagar Mitras and officials from the Marine Fisheries Department are conducting awareness drives through public announcements, door-to-door visits, and community meetings in coastal villages. The district administration has intensified sensitization efforts in areas between Bateshwar and Purunabandh, a 5 km stretch within the district’s 52 km coastline where Olive Ridleys typically arrive for nesting.
The mass nesting, known as arribada, is expected to conclude by March-end, with hatchlings emerging 30 to 45 days after eggs are laid. Each female Olive Ridley lays over 150 eggs at a time. From the turtles’ arrival to the moment the hatchlings return to the sea, the district administration is on high alert to ensure the safe continuation of this remarkable natural event.
