Berhampur: Forest officials have seized two Andhra Pradesh–based fishing trawlers for allegedly carrying out illegal fishing near the Rushikulya river mouth in Ganjam district, in violation of the seasonal marine fishing ban.
The trawlers, reportedly carrying more than 70 kg of fish, were intercepted during joint patrolling by forest personnel, police, and officials of the Fisheries Department. Eight fishermen on board were detained and later handed over to the Marine Fisheries Department for further action.
A seven-month prohibition on sea fishing is currently in force from November 1 to May 31 in the coastal zones surrounding the Rushikulya, Dhamra, and Devi river mouths. The restriction aims to safeguard the endangered Olive Ridley turtles during their annual mating and nesting period.
Officials said the seized vessels, catch, and equipment have been transferred to the Fisheries Department as part of the legal process. A case has been registered against the fishermen under the Odisha Marine Fishing Regulation Act (OMFRA), 1982.
The Rushikulya coast is recognised as one of the world’s most important mass-nesting sites for Olive Ridley turtles, attracting thousands of the marine species each year.
